How to NOT Look Like an Idiot

We all have those moments where we rush into a situation too quickly or are overzealous in making a good impression. Particularly in cyberspace, ease of access has given us unprecedented opportunity to act without thinking, and bad decisions can plague us.

When you’ve made yourself look like a fool, how do you bounce back? Those of us who like a challenge know that sometimes there is a second chance to make a good impression. Jon Bon Jovi once said, “Success is falling down 9 times and getting up 10,” and people love that guy.

1. Acknowledge that, yes, you did make a fool out of yourself. Stating that you have a problem is the first step in any good recovery. So attend some meetings.
2. Laugh it off. Successful people can laugh at themselves. Knowing when to lighten up is an important skill. Psychologists have studied how a blunder can shape others’ perception of us and evidence suggests that a little incompetence can actually increase our likeability and trustworthiness. Of course, if people already think you’re an idiot, you will simply confirm their diagnosis.
3. Make a good recovery. The next move you make better be a good one. There’s nothing like spilling coffee on yourself and then cracking a good one-liner. Even if it comes at the expense of someone else, it’s better to be labeled a jerk than a klutz.
4. Get out clean. Give your quarry some breathing room. If you hang around too long, you will look desperate. Head for the hills or you will end up babbling like Ricky Gervais.
5. If you run into this person again, repeat Step 2 frequently. You are lucky to have a story that people can tease you about as this is the foundation of all good relationships. So laugh at yourself and quietly take note of their flaws. Just find things that are fair game like having no luck with the ladies; joking about your friend’s failure to make child support payments is low.
6. Listen to more Ray Lamontagne: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrZkaj37kA0 The guy is good.

If these steps don’t work, run like hell. There are no heroes here. Live to fight another day.

Photo courtesy of JD Hancock