"I think Sylvester is right. This company needs the best man, and I think it will be nice if we take Mr. Max." Anabel said.
"But what about Mr. Jenkins, the current head of the IT department?" The manager asked. "Will you fire him?"
"I understand your concerns, Mr. Mike," Anabel said with a gentle voice. "But I have to think about what's best for the company. And right now, I think Max is the best person for the job."
Mr. Jenkins' face fell, and he looked like he was going to cry. "But what about me?" He asked with a voice which was barely above a whisper. "What am I supposed to do?"
Anabel felt a pang of sympathy for the older man, but she knew that she couldn't let sentiment cloud her judgment. She turned to Jenkins with a thoughtful expression on her face. "I won't let you go. No, I won't fire you. I want to offer you a chance to stay with the company. You can work under Max, and I'm sure both of you can work together and lift the company to the next level."
Jenkins' face lit up with hope, and he nodded eagerly. But before he could say anything else, Sylvester spoke up. "Miss. Anabel, I don't think that's a good idea. Jenkins and Max won't work well together. They have different work styles, and they'll clash. It'll be a disaster. Think about it."
Anabel frowned, unsure of what to do. She had thought that offering Jenkins a chance to stay with the company would be a good way to soften the blow of being replaced. But now, Sylvester was telling her that it wouldn't work.
"Why won't they work well together?" Anabel asked. "Besides, Max needs him to understand so many things about the company. Max may be good, but he will need Jenkins behind him."
"That's the problem. Jenkins is set in his ways." Sylvester replied. "He's been doing things the same way for years, and I don't think he's open to change. Max, on the other hand, is an innovator. He's always looking for new and better ways to do things. They'll clash, Anabel. It's inevitable."
Anabel thought about it for a moment, weighing the pros and cons. She didn't want to hurt Jenkins, but she also didn't want to set Max up for failure.
"I think Sylvester might be right, Mr. Mike," Anabel said and turned to Mr. Jenkins. "I appreciate your willingness to stay with the company, but I think it's best if we part ways. You'll receive a generous severance package, and we'll do everything we can to help you find a new job."
Jenkins' face fell, and he looked like he had lost everything. "I understand," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for the opportunity, Anabel."
"Don't you think your dad should know about this? He will be in the best position to decide. Don't do what you will regret. There are so many things you don't know about business."
"I'm making the right decision, Mr. Mike. I believe I won't regret it."
"Max," she said, turning to the young man who had saved the day. "I'm pleased to offer you the position of head of the IT department. You have proven yourself to be a talented and capable individual, and I have no doubt that you will do a great job."
Max smiled, looking pleased. "Thank you, Miss Anabel. I won't let you down."
Sylvester nodded in agreement. "I knew you would make the right decision, Anabel." He said. "Max is the perfect person for the job."
When they finished, Sylvester called Max behind. "Remember, you are working for me. You obey my orders. If you mess up, I will have you replaced. Don't disappoint me." Sylvester said, and Max nodded. "I'm aware. Count on me."
Sylvester patted him on the back. "Be careful." And left to meet Anabel.