Out In Front

In the Public Relations racket there is an approach called "getting out in front of a story". Basically, instead of having a scandal revealed and responding defensively, you reveal the tawdry information and can therefore influence how it is perceived. The scandalized is in control instead of being dominated by the story.

The other day I had to employ this approach. I had made a completely stupid and embarassing mistake with someone I report to. Instead of having them potentially reveal my momentary lack of sanity, I called everyone of any import and told them the story about how I acted retardedly.

In doing so I avoided looking like a fool by un-self-consciously revealing my foolishness.