Dear Vi,

One of our customers ordered the most expensive item on our menu, ate about 80% of it. When I returned to ask if everything was to his satisfaction, he complained that his dish was overcooked. My manager didn't want to take it off the check because I should have checked back sooner. This may be so, but we were very busy. I feel he could have helped by working the room a bit more, too. In the end, he agreed to remove the price of the entree from the bill. I'm afraid I will lose my job.

Worried in Chicago

Dear Worried,

Don't Worry, Be Happy. See the big picture and become proactive. YOu learned your mistake, albeit the hard way. Maybe you need to call a staff meeting to discuss how you will handle stressful evenings as a team with the goal that each customer is asked if everything is to his/her satisfaction within 90 seconds of being served. Your manager should be proud of you for seeing the forest through the trees.