When the new boss, Mr. Brecker, took charge at the company, the employees had high hopes. However, it quickly became clear that Mr. Brecker was going to be a problem. He was not just strict; he was downright dismissive, especially toward Kira, the dedicated manager who played a crucial role in the company’s success. Instead of succumbing, Kira resolved to take action. Her daring move would turn everything upside down.

Within the office, Kira busied herself, ensuring every chair was pushed in and every stack of papers was perfectly aligned. As the manager, she felt a personal duty to foster a productive atmosphere for Mr. Brecker’s arrival.

The air was thick with anxiety; no one knew much about this imminent boss, only that he would soon stride through their doors. Kira hoped for someone fair and approachable.

Michael, a sharp young employee Kira often called her protégé, joined her. He shared her commitment to hard work and growth.

“Have you learned anything about the new boss?” he inquired.

Kira shook her head. “All I’ve got is a blank slate, not even a name.”

Michael frowned. “Usually, there’s some kind of introduction or announcement.”

“Agreed. The silence is unsettling,” Kira nodded.

Michael grinned, “But hey, if he’s as good a boss as you, we’re in safe hands.”

“Enough with the buttering-up,” Kira replied, a smile playing on her lips. “But thanks all the same.”

“I mean every word, Kira,” Michael said before slipping out.

Despite being only 22, Michael possessed the brainpower and ethic many veteran employees lacked, consistently outperforming them with ease.

When Kira first joined at 47, skeptics doubted her ability to adapt and lead. Yet, Kira swiftly proved her mettle, fostering a harmonious team environment where everyone was heard and valued. Her open-door policy was literal and figurative, supporting colleagues from sales to the cleaning crew.

Returning from arranging Mr. Brecker’s office, she heard the elevator’s ding. Standing tall, she approached eagerly to greet him. Out stepped a man roughly her age.

“Hi, I’m Kira,” she began warmly, her hand extended in welcome. But he interrupted.

“Call me Mr. Brecker,” he stated firmly. “I insist on formal work names. No exceptions.”

Kira hesitated briefly. “Well,” she tried, “we have a more informal practice here—”

“I didn’t ask,” he cut her off. “Under my command, things work my way.” He scanned the room and then returned his gaze to her. “Oh, and coffee, black, no sugar, thanks.”

“Actually, I’m not a secretary. I’m Kira, the manager,” she clarified evenly.

Raising an eyebrow, Mr. Brecker snickered. “A female manager, surely you jest.” His laugh was sharp and unkind, reverberating through the office. “What a strange world indeed.” Heads turned at the ruckus.

She held her ground. “Mr. Brecker, I drive our sales growth and elevate team morale here,” she explained.

“Women can’t do what we men can,” he sneered, drawing closer. “In ten minutes, everyone will know the new order,” and with a chuckle, he strolled into his office.

Chatter arose in his wake. Colleagues murmured angrily. “He’s awful!” “Such a misogynist!” “It’s like he thinks he’s better than us!” Kira stood with resolve, her mind racing.

Michael approached cautiously. “What’s the next move, Kira?” he asked.

“For now,” she sighed, “let’s observe.”

Silence overpowered the office as Mr. Brecker emerged from his office, all eyes fixed on him, listening intently.

“This is law,” he began firmly. “Late arrivals, no matter how slight, incur penalties. Lunch breaks? Now only twenty minutes. Compliance is non-negotiable.”

Uneasy glances were exchanged as he continued, “Expect tracking software—every click monitored. Underperformance means dismissal, no leniency.”

His list was long; silent disbelief filled the room. Phones, chatting, and vacations severely restricted, and bonuses scrapped ‘to save resources.’ All energy was sucked out of the space.

“Sorry for the burden of a female manager,” Mr. Brecker intoned haughtily, “but change is coming.” He turned back to his office, leaving shock in his wake.

Once he was gone, whispered protests swirled. “Impossible conditions,” an employee said solemnly. Kira felt her resolve harden. “There’s a line we need to draw,” she said. “I need everyone’s support.”

Twenty minutes later, Kira faced Mr. Brecker’s desk, a stack of papers in hand. “What’s this?” Mr. Brecker snapped. “Our resignations,” Kira replied calmly. “From whom?” “Every single one of us,” Kira affirmed.

Mr. Brecker’s face turned crimson. “A jest?” he roared. “Replacements aren’t my problem,” Kira countered, her voice unyielding. “People, to you, are disposable, as you said.”

She turned to leave, Mr. Brecker hurried behind her. The office was deserted, a tableau of rebellion. “Wait!” he bellowed in vain as the elevator doors shut on her.

Following that day, Kira launched her venture—a realm of respect and acknowledgement. She invited her former colleagues to join, and they did eagerly.

Under Kira’s leadership, the new venture flourished, and Michael became a trusted manager. Within months, they read the business section: their old company had collapsed. Mr. Brecker was unable to hire replacements. His era had ended, his power extinguished.

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