A member of my team at work is leaving this week. Cue the traditional exit strategy: a string of dubious singing performances accompanied by a significant amount of cake. Hence the rehearsals (both singing and cake related).

So I’ve been debating with colleagues in advance of this evening’s karaoke extravaganza, the relative merits of singing solo or as a duet. Obviously there are a number of considerations to take into account. Initially, my main criteria related to the most likely scenario to place me centre stage, with access to all manner of praise and glory, whilst at the same time shielding me from any embarrassment or shame. Possibly by strategic use of props. It turns out these scenarios are pretty much mutually exclusive. So on reflection, I’m opting for the tried and tested method of hiding behind someone who has an excellent singing voice, miming a bit at the appropriate points, and then basking in reflected glory.

I think this is probably quite a good strategy for life generally. It’s all about being a team player. Some of us just aren’t the best singer in the group. But we have other talents. I think I will be really good at prancing around in the background and taking all the credit, for example, and you can’t really play down the value of that sort of input. So in advance of my invaluable contribution this evening, I’d better have an extra slice of cake today at work. Just so I don’t let the team down later. Never let it be said that I’m not a team player.