(I am a waitress at a high-end restaurant. This night, I am particularly rushed and upset, and make a few customer service mistakes while serving a customer.)
Customer: “I’d like to speak to your manager, please.”
Me: “Sure, may I ask what about?”
Customer: “About you.”
(My manager is very strict, and he doesn’t believe in second chances. I am terrified. I go up to my manager.)
Me: “Manager, table six please; they want to talk to you.”
Manager: *walks over* “Yes sir, what did you need to talk to me about?”
Customer: “It’s about your waitress here.”
Manager: *starting to glare at me* “Has she done something wrong?”
(I am standing there holding back tears, sure that I am about to be fired.)
Customer: “Well, she has been very busy and rushed tonight. All the same, she has managed to take our orders and give us our food quickly and with a smile on her face. I used to be a waitress, and I know how hard that is to do. I just wanted to tell you that you have a Class-A employee here, and I’m leaving her a 5o% tip. I also have reservations for next week, and I’d like to request in advance that she be our server.”
Manager: *stunned* “Yes, that can be arranged. I’m glad you thought well of her. Have a good day.”
Me: *almost crying* “I thought you were about to have me fired! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Customer: “Oh, it’s no problem, dear. Here’s your tip, and I hope your day gets better!”