Just one more thing...

Oh, the dread...

"Can I just catch you for a minute"

"Just wanted to let you know"

"Have you got a sec"

And always, always, there is a big issue; for staff it is usually concerning a complaint of some form. Always saved until the last possible minute. Always when you are at your most tired, most exhausted, and, let's me honest, most likely to mess it up!

Mess it up, you probably will. In that last week, last day, last moment, the chances are that you will not perform at your best, and so, by your own (probably far too high) standards, you will mess it up.

But that is OK. Don't carry that with you into the summer break.

A mess up; by someone with high standards, usually excellent handling of a situation, well respected and liked, is OK. You are human. Dealing with someone else's mess up (who may not have the same way of working as you),well, that is more tricky.

Here are my top tips;

1. Stick to the facts - as hard as it can be, avoid including any opinions or he said/she said, in your conversation. Stick to what you know to be true.

2. Be kind to yourself - everyone is tired, including you, and you will absolutely be doing the best you can in the situation you are in and that is all anyone can ask.

3. Be kind to them - either the subject of the complaint, or the person's who's mess you are clearing. It is very unusual for there to be any malicious intent behind their actions. As hard as that can be to remember, it's important to be as empathetic as you possibly can to their situation.

Alternatively... you could just hide in your office and hope no-one finds you!

(that's a joke - don't do that, avoiding the inevitable is a terrible idea and only ever makes things worse).

Make time for "one more thing".

And then chill, relax and recharge.

Enjoy your summer break!