1 Ignore the problem. Jacobs' contributions to new product development are too valuable to risk losing him, and the problems over the past 10 years have always worked themselves out anyway. There's no sense starting something that could make you look bad. John Graham had been with Shellington Pharmaceuticals for 18 years. After a tour of duty in the various plants, and seven years overseas, John was back at headquarters, looking forward to his new role as director of Asia Pacific marketing.