This is going to surprise you, but sometimes, I put my foot in my mouth. Mostly, it happens when I am awake.

One time, a few years ago, I was in a big meeting with the CEO of our 3,000 person company. Our CFO had been let go. I asked the CEO a question that started with me complimenting him on how they handled the whole CFO situation. Only when it came out of my mouth, I said this, "After the whole CEO situation, …"

He, being the CEO, immediately said, "I think you mean CFO." Now most people...