How to… avoid falling for April Fools gags, by Dud Information
Why is it important?
Why do you think? To ensure you don’t look silly, of course. But there’s
more to it than that. Managers trying to exude a sense of power through having
a seemingly higher level of knowledge than their flock are in serious danger of
smashing that illusion – especially if they pride themselves on being able to
find the April Fools gag in newspapers. Even more so if you do not have a sense
of humour, as you will be laughed at, if not to your face, behind your back.
Read with your eyes open
Sounds obvious, but the number of people who read while looking out of the
window, or doing up their shoelace is statistically significant.
Think about it
Not quite so obvious, but as the song says ‘Fools rush in where HR managers
fear to tread’. Although you may well be EU’d out when it comes to directives,
is there really an EU commissioner named Olaf Porli? Or is that an anagram of
‘April Fool’?
Mull it over some more
That initial assessment could be wrong. See if you can name an EU
commissioner other than Leon Brittan? And isn’t that an anagram of ‘brittle
onan’. And was he?
Get a second opinion
Admit that your judgement is flawed and seek the opinion of others. Try to
avoid those wearing big red noses, floppy shoes and orange wigs. Communication
is a good thing. Talk to somebody. Don’t be afraid of appearing a fool, to
avoid being a fool in a national magazine in front of all your peers.
Get some media coverage
Go for it. Get angry. Let it out. Fire off a letter at once. Do not pass Go.
Go straight to jail. Use this opportunity to raise your profile and guarantee
publication of at least two letters in this esteemed publication. Then try
telling your corporate communications team that all publicity is good publicity…
