So, Machiavelli wrote that when a Prince takes over a new principality, there are a certain number of "atrocities" which he must commit to secure his hold over it, and also some popular actions which he can perform. The natural instinct is to do the popular actions first, in order to make yourself more popular, and space out the atrocities. The problem is, this means that those who are left never know if the atrocities are complete, or if you are coming for them next, while the popular actions are clearly at an end, so discontent builds and builds, and fear drives them to act against you before it is their turn to fall victim. Better, said Machiavelli, to perform your atrocities in a rush at the beginning, front-loaded, and space out your popular actions, so that your new subjects are at first in shock, and then relieved as it seems to the remaining ones that the danger to them is past.<p>Now, Machiavelli wasn't always correct, by any means, but he wasn't always incorrect, either. If Jenkins is front-loading her unpopular (with her new staff) actions, and spacing out her more popular ones over time, it might just work out for her. We'll see.