Ladder Manager Gifts

"Sad but true - my career ladder turned out to be a career footstool."

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?'

'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.'

'I've stepped on so many people for the last 20 years to get where I'm at, and I'm still only a middle manager.'

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

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

Upward Progress

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

"The boss can see you now."

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

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

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

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.'

"Oh no! Oh no! Oh no! Oh no!"

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

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

'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?"

'Remember - Reilly's Chairman of the Board, but Henderson's the Alpha male.'

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

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

Building business relations.

Texturing the Walls

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

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

'Here you are, Simmons!'

'I'm moving up to be Chairperson of the Board. One of you will be President.'

"I'm beginning to think they replaced the ladder of success with a greased pole."

Ladder of Success.

"Yes, I'm sure you do deserve further career advancement. But if I promote you again you'll have my job!"

Ted did have some concerns about the appearance of nepotism.