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In the Alpha playbook here are the roles and types of Alphas... and that encounter in the elevator was Don establishing his role in the Alpha Food Chain

The Senior Alpha....or Graduate.. makes huge income, player, knows everyone an people want to know him... his knowledge and connections are leverage..often known in the Media, often works but not as hard and involved in philanthropy...but still a deal maker and player not to be underestimated. Appears relaxed but still has attack dog in him (Robert Morse's Character)

The Oldster Alpha... Makes great money, pulls the trigger on business, the great white shark, knows how to close deals, make deals knows the value of who makes the money for him, whom he can trust and is smart about business... greatest of champions if you are loyal, will cut you if not... demands respect and will deep six those who do not acknowledge his role in the deal.. (Roger)

Junior Alpha .... knows the lay of the land, how things work, has success on a basic level.. knows to move from sprinter to trigger, knows his role on the ladder, and is driven forward by those behind him, he is careful to avoid missteps and is working towards being more of an elitist and will attack if he feels someone is undermining him.. he merits people by how well they earn for him... will not consider you an equal if you are an anchor to his success... (Don)

The Freshman or Beta Male... most dangerous he will do anything to get ahead and crush anyone in his way. Hasn't much to show for performance and is driven by fear. Trying desperately to figure out things before he gets rolled over by someone stronger, faster or more experienced. His game is bluff..

In the Alpha playbook it defines roles as follows: Trigger - the closer; Ringer - the smooth cat, the secret weapon when you need him; Pile-On - this is the one you give the grunt work to; Boat Anchor - the lowest of the low who you carry in business; Finder/Minder/Grinder - one who findd the business, the Manger of the work and the Grinder who does the work; Mud - the ones below grinders; Earner - has a currency determined by what he earns for business and ultimately motivated by his own net worth; Bank or Banker - those so wealthy others come to him for the money; Mouth - the talker one who doesn't keep secrets usually a woman; Snitch the male equivalent; Bitch - the weak alpha male who shines the shoes; Piker a fake alpha; Deep Six - those who are cut out of loop and careers are sabotaged because of their inability to keep secrets, etc..

Alpha's fear criticism, driven by insecurity, are motivated by power and seek revenge when they feel their credibility/intelligence or position questioned. Loyalty is number one ethic and respect the deal and who makes the deal happen over all else...

I suspect Weiner has read the book as the characters are all perfect examples of this..

Betty is trying to move from Beta female to Alpha and is using her sexuality as that means.. recalling she left Don on Thanksgiving alone...its two years later she is usurping his control over her at home.. he is impotent with her, she is manipulative, controlling with him and her children.. meanwhile he is not engaged at work and his role in the Alpha chain is being threatened by this Duck dude.. hire young.. and now he wonders where does he belong.. the midlife crisis at 36!!! You heard Betty... "imagine dating at our age" What you are 30 years old!!! Imagine!