Could humor have saved Brody PR?

Just to be clear. Brody PR screwed up and deserved to be outed. But I believe humor could have saved them.

As blunders go it was a doozy, but did anyone get offended or hurt? No. Other than irritating a few influential social media folks during their busy day, it was harmless. In other words, here’s a situation where a bit of self-deprecating humor would have been helpful without further fanning the flames.

Sadly, Brody PR opted for a weak apology which they posted verbatim in the comment sections of several blogs. All it did was further demonstrate their ineptitude.

Soon after the situation surfaced, I started working on a couple of cartoon concepts. I finally settled on this toon. Naturally, I intended it as a criticism, but what if Brody PR had posted this image on their website with the title: “Meet Beth Brody”? It could have been followed by a one sentence apology like: “We screwed up and we’re sorry.” Do you think it would have changed public opinion?

Too often in minor crisis situations like these we tend to focus our energies on what we are “expected to do” (e.g., issue a formal apology, blame others, make excuses) rather than what is “unexpected” (e.g., take responsibility in a humorous or heartfelt way). As a case in point, see how this minor crisis was masterfully handled.

Call me naive, but I think it’s doing the “unexpected” that ultimately saves the day.

What do you think?