Mary Killen Mary Killen

Dear Mary solves problems for Jim Broadbent, N.M. Gwynne, Jesse Norman and others

How to monetise your celebrity, which party to join when you’re not sure you believe anything, and more

issue 13 December 2014

Once again Mary has invited some of her favourite figures in the public eye to submit personal queries for her attention.

From Jesse Norman MP

Q. We’ve been having a little local difficulty at work with one or two colleagues who vigorously assert their loyalty to the organisation, but then go and join a would-be competitor. It’s not that this is bad for morale; on the contrary. But it confuses some of our customers. Your advice would be most welcome.

A. Take the tip of a top industrialist who never tried to refuse a resignation: congratulate the deserter effusively on his decision and declare publicly that he and his new organisation will make an excellent fit and wish him well. Finish with the wise words of Sacha Guitry: ‘When a man steals your wife, there is no better revenge than to let him keep her.’

From Tom Hodgkinson, Idler Academy

Q.

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