Company President: “Does anybody have an idea?”

Employee: “Hey, I have an idea….”

Co-workers:

“Not that one again.”

“Here’s that same idea only different.”

“I have a build on that.”

“Love it… but here’s my idea.”

Managers:

“I think what you really mean is this.”

“I had that same idea five years ago.”

“Let’s all just worry about our own jobs. Okay?“

“Management is on that problem, so don’t worry about it!”

“Do yourself a big favor and don’t mention that again.”

Supervisors:

“That’s a disconnect”

“Nothins’ grabbin’ me.”

“Here, let me take a stab at it.”

“Are you trying to get yourself fired?!”

“I‘ll get back to you.”

Internal Group Meeting:

“We’ve always done it that way.”

“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”

“Let the other guys take the risk.”

“Let’s circle back on this.”

“That’s a great idea, for a Delicatessen!”

Group Director Meeting:

“I’m sorry…did you say something?”

“We’re not ready for that yet.“

“Well let’s run it up the flagpole, see who salutes it.”

“That’s interesting, BUT… “

“Let’s put that on the back burner.”

Executive Manager Meeting:

“It sounds like change for the sake of change.”

“Isn’t someone else doing that?”

“If it’s still working okay, why change it?”

“It might have worked in your other place, but not here.”

“I vote leave well enough alone.”

Steering Committee:

“This business is different.“

“That could get us the wrong reputation.”

“Show me someone who’s done this successfully.”

“What’s so bad about things right now?“

“Great idea!… but not for us!“

Operating Committee

“Do you realize the paperwork it will cause!?”

“We’re all too busy.
”

“It’ll run up overhead.”

“That would be too difficult to administer.”

“Who’s gonna’ tell the big guy?”

Senior Executive V.P. Committee

“I think the fox is still loose!“

“How bout we make a compromise?”

“Let’s discuss that offline…“

“Not on my watch!”

“If I hear one more suggestion, my head will explode.”

Company President: “Doesn’t anybody have an idea?

Employee: “Sigh!”