This is WAYYYYYYYYY off subject, but I have come to view all of you as close confidents and need help. I will keep this short and to the point, but if you need more info, just ask...

I work for a VERY large, multinational company that is a household name. I am an upper, middle level executive who frequently interacts with the most senior executives in our company. As with any company, the politics are forever there. Two people with whom I must attend a quarterly meeting are particularly political and, thus, difficult in that they are 1) arrogant, 2) know everything, 3) will not hesitate to bad mouth another person if it serves their purpose, and 4) climbers - don't hesitate to brag how wonderful they are and will step on anyone they need to in order to get a head. Example, at the last meeting, I asked a question around what type of change management we would have when a particular global program is rolled out to employees. The one took my question, twisted it into my being "obstructive" and relayed it to two VERY senior people (both have the word "Officer" in their titles). It caused me to lose a lot of face for asking a question that has a lot of relevance to me because failure to do the necessary change management is going to cause labor relations problems with our unions in the US. The other individual just makes cutting remarks to show how "superior" he is to me and, then, refuses to give me what I need to get my work done. The amusing part is they think they are hot stuff because they were both, recently, promoted.....to the job grade I have held for the last 5 years!! (My estimated potential - the standard my company uses for determining how high they expect you to rise before retirement - is also higher than theirs!)

Here is the question....I have learned the best way to deal with these two is to just keep my mouth shut and not say a word. The last time I tried this approach, Mr. Smarmy I'm Superior turned to me and said a sarcastic voice, "You're being awfully quiet today." I know I will get this comment from one of the two of them, again (They work as a team) and need a really good response that puts them in their place in a subtle, but classy, effective way. Anyone have any good ideas??

Thanks for your help and, now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.....

Regards,

BB

Yes, I am quiet. The amount of oxygen in the room dropped about (however many minutes ago they started talking) ago.

Maybe not classy...but I wonder how long it'd take b4 they "got" it.

Them: You're being awfully quiet today.

BB: What you perceive as quiet should not be construed as idleness.

or

BB: I'm often quiet right before an idea bursts forth.

or

BB: (Orchid style RB) Yes, I am being quiet. I find that I think better when I'm not talking. Your point?

Hmmm. I have kind of a similar issue. I have a highly technical job, spend all my time doing my job, and almost zero time schmoozing with the bosses. Yet the 'climbers', who spend all their time schmoozing and doing all the things your two buddies do, ride the coat-tails of credit for all the hard work us lab people do.

Anyway...you could try something like..."One of the principles of good management is to not be the first to propose a solution, but to allow your subordinates to express what they think the course of action should be. That way if the subordinate's solution is selected, they feel empowered."

Then you turn to him and ask what HE thinks we should do.

Still waters run deep.

or

BB: If I was confident you'd understand what I have to say, I'd share it with you.

I should add that, these comments arise before the meeting begins or on a break...

Keep them coming folks, these are great! (I am not good with quick responses and just flounder about searching for what to say)

BB

I REALLY like this one!!!

or

BB: My limit order on JNJ for 56.24. Perhaps I don't need another 10K shares afterall.

(substitute whatever stock - your competitor? - would make it interesting)

When I talk, it is because I have something important to say.

"Tis better to remain silent and make them wonder if you are stupid than open your mouth and confirm it!" or something to that effect.

What about good ole Scarlett Ohara response...

"oh fiddle-dee-dee you two boys just go on....little ole me will just sit here in continued awe....."

batt eyes...

arkie

Oh just tell 'em to "eat sh*t and bay at the moon"

or better yet just tilt your head up towards the ceiling, open your mouth and let out a big bay at the moon yourself!

I bet they never ask you why you are so quiet again. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

BB,

I have the same problem too...

I think it's called "getting zinged"...

It takes you a minute to realize, "hey! Not nice!" and by that time you're too late to come back with something...

It's not very witty, but how about something like,

"I see my silence is making you uncomfortable."

Reflect back the true meaning behind the arrogance...

That will make them stammer and rethink their smart #$@ ways for sure!

KM

"You're quiet today"

"A foolish man talks...a wise man listens."

This is one of the reasons I want to leave the corporate world.

I know fellow corporate employees who are now truck drivers for the same reason.

Life is just way too short, and after awhile even the most thick skinned of people begin to become affected.

Making friends with your enemies is the only way I have found to make some co-workers bareable (sp WAT?), and maybe a funny comeback might open the door to that possibility.

Who knows.

"You're quiet today"

Oh, sorry, I've got a raging yeast infection... it's driving me batty.

"You're quiet today.."

<in a very calm, nuetral voice looking straight into his/her eyes>

Yes.

It ends the conversation leaving it hanging and doesn't give away any of what you're thinking.

Mys

B/B--don't sell yourself short. Whatever you're doing, it got you to a level in a huge corporation where the officers actually ~care~ what you say. Obviously, you've had a few comebacks in the past, or you wouldn't be where you are. You just have a temporary lack of confidence. Use some self-affirmations, and you'll be feeling well enough to zing right back at them.

Of course, you know this is a losing battle in the long run. Hateful people will always be looking to backstab you in the corporate world. Just do the standard CYA work to make sure they can't "put words in your mouth" again.

Good luck! That sucks!

I knew you all would help me! You have all given me great one liners....I'll have to decide which fits best at the time! I have to say, many of these made me laugh out loud!!! Particularly liked WAT's and Dru's responses!!!!

Thanks to you all for helping me!

BB