A precisely targeted new rule

This is the first time in six months that you've had any indication that your rules are not working exactly as you intended and whilst it seems a few small tweaks might be desirable, you're **** to make any changes on the spur of the moment, in case things get worse. However, you need to help poor Tilly, so you decide to create an interim rule until you're able to consider the wider implications.

You pull out the Rulebook that, even now, you keep close at hand, turning to a new page and writing the name of Tilly's employer at the top. By restricting the rule to this one company, you hope to limit any unforeseen consequences.

New Rule: When advising and disciplining female staff members, all employees support decisions and guidelines made by management.

You can already see problems with this, due to the likelihood of stifling creativity and innovation when dissent is banned, but hopefully you'll be able to replace it with something more appropriate after a few days of deeper thought. Now you just need to see whether it'll be enough to solve the immediate problem. The inner workings of the Rulebook are still shrouded in mystery and although rules come into effect instantaneously, that doesn't necessarily mean the consequences will be readily apparent.

Dr. Blake's door is still ajar, so you give it a quick rap and poke your head inside to ask how things are going.

"Very well indeed, thank-you, Jack," the tutor replies. "It's always a pleasure to see one one of my best students again."

"Has she mentioned her new job offer?"

"Yes, she has! In fact, she has something to say to you, don't you?"

"Yes, D-er Sharon," the young women confirms. "I've actually been thinking about what you were saying on the way over (and my parents, too) and I think you're right about taking the promotion."

"Oh, that is good news," you beam, but can't resist asking "what's caused this about face?"

"Well, I realized that I was concerned by the way the company has been in the past, but attitudes change and things should be different from now on, so all the advice I've been getting makes sense."

"Why should things be different?"

The lovely lady frowns. "I can't put my finger on it, but thinking about how the company operates, I'm sure I'll be able to cope now, when it would've been hopeless for a girl my age even a few months ago. I just don't think there'll be an authority problem any more."

That answers a question you've had for a long time. When an unwritten rule of society changes, everyone feels it on a subconscious level, without being fully aware of exactly what's happened. Having apparently settled the issue you were called in to resolve, it's time to address your own agenda.