We love to hate it. We believe it is mundane, curbs creativity and is for dummies who cannot hold stuff in their head, or think on their feet. Yes, I am talking about the checklist, the much abhorred tool that is supposed to help bring in efficiencies, reduce errors and improve productivity.
This being the common perception, I was rather pleasantly surprised to be introduced to this fascinating book by an equally fascinating author by a good friend. The Checklist Manifesto- How to get things right- by Dr Atul Gawande, is a revelation. The main premise of Gawande’s latest book is that in the modern world, the volume and complexity of knowledge exceeds our ability to hold stuff in our head and hope to get things right, time after time. And hence, contrary to conventional thinking, he argues that the checklist is most handy in areas that we often believe we require it least- in expertise led functions such as complex surgeries, managing a crisis, gourmet cooking for instance.
In a series of blogs, I will write about what I took away from this must read book.
In the meantime would welcome feedback from others who may have read or are reading this book.
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This is a great book. One does not expect “checklists” to be such saviors. But that’s exactly what happened in multiple hospitals. Doctors are taught many things and are expected to follow various steps, but given the complexity of their jobs many steps are missed out (how familiar this is!!) which could lead to infections as well as become fatal at times.
I have seen this regularly in testing of software. When checklists are used diligently, the bug density improves drastically. Similarly, even for travel, I find that whenever I use the checklist, I don’t forget little things like toothpaste, razor, etc. And whenever I have not used it, I invariably miss something and feel like a fool when I need it!
The book also talks of how to enforce use of checklists – the organisational dynamics aspects. This is important since checklist usage enforcement can become quite tricky and could ruffle the feathers of prima donnas.
A must read book for all who want to ensure higher quality.
One of our professors once said to us, “If you write something down, nine out of ten times you will do it.” At that point, the logic seemed ridiculous. But it is true. It works. And then there is the pleasure of checking it off your list — the most amazing feeling ever. Surely, checklists are underrated.
It is amazing that a simple tool of this nature can have such a major positive impact. In software quality systems checklists are extensively used and have contributed a great deal to the goal of making engineering processes repeatable in terms of quality metrics.
As mentioned in the post people who are extremely good at any one aspect of the engineering process tend to be dismissive of checklists (much like extremely talented performers, who rely on their talent and do not give importance to the drill associated with their particular field and more often than not pay the price over time). However once they realize that the checklist potentially encompasses areas that may be beyond their specific area they tend to appreciate the value much more.
Checklists almost always shows the progress made in a day, its a relief when I see “something” out of it on the days I feel I have done “nothing”.I agree with Mallika that the tick on the checkbox sure is thrilling ! Look forward to the other case studies from the book mentioned !
I find checklists encourages one to dream. Like if you had a list of ‘The 10 things I’d do before I’m 30′ or ‘Where my company will be in 10 years’, it might serve as motivation to go out there and do your best.