An associate of mine
was supposed to lead a discussion.
She forgot and didn’t show up.
So I led the discussion for her.
I didn’t announce that she dropped the ball.
I simply caught it for her
before it hit the ground.
Recently, during a live interview,
Kathie Lee Gifford asked Martin Short
how long he has been married.
Martin Short’s much beloved wife
has been dead for a year and a half.
Instead of pointing out Kathie Lee Gifford’s error,
Martin Short responded with a gracious
“We (have been) married for 36 years.”
When asked “But you’re still, like, in love?”,
his reply was “Madly, madly in love.”
Kathie Lee Gifford dropped the ball.
Martin Short caught it.
He didn’t make a big production out of
covering up her error.
He simply did it.
When a buddy/associate/partner drops the ball,
it is an opportunity for you
to build trust
and strengthen relationships.
Quietly catch that dropped ball.
She’ll know you caught it
and she’ll value you for doing so.