Regional manager Michael (Steve Carell) thinks he's the coolest, funniest, best boss ever - which, of course, makes him the uncoolest, most obnoxious and annoying boss as far as his staff is concerned. His co-worker Jim (John Krasinski) lusts after engaged receptionist Pam (Jenna Fischer) when he's not sabotaging his cube-mate, the know-it-all Dwight (Rainn Wilson). Ryan Howard (B.J. Novak) is a young, smart, self-possessed temp, who quickly figures out the real office politics despite Michael's attempts to instill the official point-of-view.