Tensions between Jim and Michael arise as they act as co-managers now, with Michael disliking Jim taking charge of things. David Wallace delivers the news that they are short on money for raises next year, so the manager duo has to make hard decisions. Dwight reaches breaking point seeing that Jim got a promotion instead of him.
Tropes
- Apple of Discord: The office enters in disarray over the raises. Michael and Jim fight over how to decide and which plan to solve, while some people fight over the raise itself, not helped by Dwight stirring up more trouble to try to get people to go against Jim.
- The Chains of Commanding: Jim experiences this first-hand when deciding whom to give the raise.
- Chaos Architecture: A realistic version: between episodes, a new small office (for Jim) has been built in the corner where Creed's old desk clump used to be. Creed now sits at Ryan's old place, facing Meredith. Nobody comments on it, though.
- "Could Have Avoided This!" Plot: The entire Cold Open. If Dwight has a complaint about Jim, his boss, he should go to Toby in HR. He instead goes to Michael.
- The Ditherer: During their fight, Jim points out that Michael has constantly proven himself to be incapable of making any tough managerial decisions because he cares more about being liked by the office than being an effective manager.
- Dude, Where's My Respect?: Michael feels entitled to more respect than Jim and is upset when he does not treat him as such.
- Exact Words: In the Cold Open, Dwight describes Jim as a tall imposing guy when Michael tries to tell him about the big picture.
- Hypocritical Humor: Jim tells Michael that he is too worried about being everyone's friend and can't make the hard decisions, but as soon as opposition to his plan is voiced, he begins to backpedal from his decision.
- It's All About Me: Dwight is after Jim's job as co-manager, and stirs up trouble due to it.
- Metaphorgotten: Dwight goes off-track while describing how he'd sabotage Jim, and speaks about wrestling matches.
- Not-So-Omniscient Council of Bickering: As co-managers, Jim and Michael have to work together to make decisions, and they are almost as bad as Michael managing alone.
- Surprisingly Realistic Outcome: The not-Sales departments turn against the Sales department after Jim declares he will be giving them a raise.
