How are mistakes handled at your public accounting firm or company? Naturally, the answer to that question depends on the severity of the mistake. There’s a lesson to be learned from comedian and actor Martin Short in dealing with the miscues of others. A CPA or business owner learning from Martin Short or Kathie Lee Gifford? You betcha.

While spinning my news web on iShade’s BulletIN today, I came across an incident that occurred on Wednesday involving that third amigo. Martin Short was on to plug his latest film during the final hour of NBC News’ TODAY program. A very awkward moment then took place when co-host Kathie Lee Gifford complimented Short on his marriage–not realizing that his wife died a year and a half ago. During a commercial break, Gifford was informed of her faux pas. Taking the high road, Martin Short later commented, “I think that it’s live television and people make mistakes and there’s no ill will intended… and I think it’s nice to aspire to be that way.” There are so many directions this incident could have gone, with this being perhaps the best possible outcome. Short took it all in stride; Gifford apologized profusely.

I certainly learned a bit from this incident. How do you handle the mistakes of others (and your own errors)? How does your boss handle errors or oversights? Grace under pressure or an explosion?

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