Office Diplomacy Expert Gifts

'Don't think of it as being a yes man, think of it as being an employed man.'

'Sorry, boss, it's not my job.'

'Surely you wouldn't want me to laugh at your joke if I didn't think it was funny!'

"Can I savor this for a few moments? The ball's never been in my court before!"

Flags

"They decided giving out pink slips was too impersonal. So now they're blue."

"Be patient. He'll have to visit the water cooler sooner or later."

"Well, it looks like the merger is off."

"I need to see your budget proposal."

Inclusive speech

"We can waste time and look for a solution or...just find a scapegoat?"

'Hey, look, I can stand up and shout, too!'

'The toughest things you have to deal with in this job, is feelings and lawyers.'

"That's the last time I'm going to allow politics to be discussed in the office."

'I am willing to concede that the company has been underperforming of late...'

'You really want that promotion, don't you, Sherman?'

"I just want you to know that promotion, this office, and those Luna bars were mine!"

Tug of Negotiation and Conciliation.

"Lost my job. But I'm pretty sure it's around here somewhere."

'I went into that meeting with a hidden agenda and then forgot where I put it.'

"You are being overly-defensive again, Brenda!"

'Here's another one that'll make you blow your stack.'

Career Choices

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

'To close the deal, I had to make some minor concessions.'

'Would you be interested in attending a stress management seminar?'

'Congratulations Smith, you got that promotion. Commiserations Reid, you got that demotion.'

Office meeting

HR - Helping Relationships

'Gunboat diplomacy won't work, sire -- we're landlocked, remember?'

"I was going to have my people call his people, but I’m pretty sure his people have Caller I.D."

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

"If I can't get a firm decision, I'd accept a wobbly acquiescence."

"When I said to convince him of the need for change I was hoping you'd use the seductive power of reason and logic."

'So, now we have ascertained who is responsible...'