Her first day at the new company started as nothing special. Phyllis wore her favorite navy blue pantsuit with a white silk blouse. It was a chic look. The office was modern and minimalist, not a single paperclip out of place. She walked down the long corridor with confidence, ignoring the glances thrown her way. For some reason, she was the only woman in the entire company.
The clock chimed twelve, echoing through the open space. Lunchtime. Phyllis checked her watch. No, it couldn’t be. She was supposed to meet the CEO at noon sharp. Panic set in as she realized she’d lost track of time. She had been warned about the Japanese CEO – a stern, old man, who had a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of insubordination.
Phyllis rushed up to the top floor, and stepped inside his office without knocking. The CEO, Mr. Tanaka, was a man of few words. His English was choppy, but his glare was fluent. He took one look at her and said, “You’re late.” Phyllis nodded and replied, “I’m sorry sir, but it’s my first day…”
Mr. Tanaka’s expression didn’t waver. “In our company, no excuses. If you show no respect, we must teach you your place.”
Without waiting for a response, he buzzed his intercom. Two burly employees appeared in the doorway. Phyllis’s heart sank. She had never been scold to before by one of her superiors, and certainly not in such a dramatic fashion.
The young woman took a deep breath and looked Mr. Tanaka straight in the eye. “I don’t appreciate the way you’re treating me,” she said firmly. “I was just a few minutes late, it’s no big deal.”
Mr. Tanaka’s face grew redder, his eyes narrowed. “You dare speak to me like this?” he bellowed.
Phyllis held her ground, she dealt with dominant bosses before. “I’m not afraid of you,” she said, her voice steady. “I know how men like you are. You enjoy your power, but deep down you are just an unhappy, insecure old man.”
Mr. Tanaka slammed his fist on the desk, rattling the paperweight. “You will learn,” he spat, his eyes flashing with anger. He turned to the two men, who took a step closer to her.
“Give her the special treatment”, he instructed.
