Observed

The recent story of Gen. Stanley McChrystal reminds me of a PR truism. As a rule, it’s better to publicize any bad news yourself.

Why?  First, remember that bad news will very probably get out with or without you…eventually.  There are just too many disgruntled employees, competitors and other forces beyond your control.

Next, don’t wait for a leak or let an enterprising reporter beat you to the punch.  When — not if — a bad-news story gets out without you, it will tend to make you look arrogant (or more arrogant) and as though you have something to hide.  These will only worsen matters.

So, be the one to deliver your own bad news.  Let your customers, constituents, employees and others know before they learn about it from someone else.  Someone other than you who’s in charge of the facts and the truth — your message.

I don’t know what might have saved his job.  Who knows?  Maybe General McChrystal told the president and his other superiors that the cat was on the roof before the news got out.

As for the general’s chances of saving anything else, your guess is as good as mine.