Power Dynamics Explorers Mugs

"Oh, you don't need to fight them—you just need to convince the pitchfork people that the torch people want to take away their pitchforks."

"Don't even think about going over my head Brother James."

'I hope you're not threatened by powerful women, because you're fired.'

"This is a merit-based organization! Can't you see I’ve hired the very best and most qualified yes-men money can buy?"

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

"I was just going to say, 'Well, I don't make the rules.' But, of course, I do make the rules."

'Manager. . . Commander. . . Chieftain. . . King!'

'The lads at the office still talk about the day you told the boss what to do with his job...'

Oligarchy

"But can't I be feared and loved?"

'The portrait is a mark of his extreme egotism, but, if you curtsy and bow sufficiently...say, 'Oh Yes Sir!'!, to everything he says, you should do OK'

"Based on the feedback from advisers whom I haven't beheaded, all of my ideas are great."

Turkish Democracy

"It's Swamp & Swallow - they're making an offer we can't refuse!"

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

Compression

"That's six 'noes' and one 'aye', the ayes have it"

Nails pinning down the hammer that usually strikes them.

Horse statue throws off rider.

'He doesn't like people walking in - try crawling.'

'I delegate, then I follow up.'

Big Shot/Bigger Shot.

"I may be incompetent. But, if you fire me there'll be no one who knows less about this company than you."

"O.K., if you put it that way."

"But I won't bore you with the all too familiar story of a dictator's rise to absolute power,"

The Gladiator.

'We used to be a patriarchy, but lately we've been more goddess-centric.'

'As chairman, that's my opinion. I propose we table any motion to further discuss this matter. All those in favor say 'aye'. All those opposed say 'bye'.'

Desk sign: 'Brown-nose'.

'Jones, I don't like you because it's so hard to find something to blame you for!'

'I have power - but it's not the kind that's easy to abuse.'

'I've never had to butter up the boss. I've always been the boss.'

'We're a democracy here, as long as everyone votes in favour of what I want!'

"I see you as a little bee, Kutner. Buzz, buzz, buzz, go make some honey."

"This is Mr Johnson, the man who works under me."