Climb-the-ladder Gifts

'Now that I've clawed my way to the top, I'd like a manicure.'

"Well, ordinary men have colleagues. Successful men have victims."

Businessman on stilts: 'I had to step over a lot of people to get where I am today.'

'He got a raise but not enough to help him clear the fence.'

'Is that the sweet smell of success or some imitation air freshener?'

"It looks like the 'because I say so' has it."

"Work hard, make the sacrifices and in 25 years you could be just like me!"

"That arrow always goes to the bottom when I walk by."

'I can't believe I didn't get that promotion. So many people have passed me by I feel like a road sign on the highway to success.'

Upward Progress

Like many of those in tribicles, Mitch dreamed of one day moving up to the real deal.

'You lack the expertise we're looking for, Mr Wheaton - but darn it, I like your attitude.'

"No, I'm not really a CEO. I just like to keep up with the Joneses."

'I'm moving up to be Chairperson-of-the-board. One of you will be President.' (Men have fencing swords).

Not a surprise, coming from the new boss - who looks about 6 years old.

"Today we are going to find out if you can that leap."

Man suffering from rope burn due to climbing the corporate ladder

'You're going to have to work your way up to the ground floor like everyone else.'

'I'm afraid that the top investment banks are looking for more from job applicants than a 'Top Degree from the University of Hard Knocks'.'

"Look , Malcolm, I get it that you're ambitious. But can't you put that damn thing down just for a minute?"

Texturing the Walls

Building business relations.

"I've finally arrived. The C.E.O. stopped saying 'who the hell are you' whenever he sees me."

If a moo can rise to the top, so can I.

"You know, there's a corporate elevator."

"Why do you always assume I'm going down?"

'I refuse to relinquish the title, 'Top Young Exec'.'

'Here you are, Simmons!'

'You've spelt 'C.V.' wrongly.'

Ladder of Success.

"No, our company doesn't provide day care or maternity leave."

"Remember when everyone told you this job would lead you nowhere? Well, you've arrived!"

'Let me guess - you lost a fight against a young challenger who has now replaced you as the company's alpha male!'

"Firing is too good for you, Mike. I'm going to give you MY job instead!"

"The itsy-bitsy spider went up the corporate ladder. And he didn't care how many lives he ruined along the way. I know, this isn't the book Simon & Schuster wants. But it's the damn truth."