There are 9 things I need before leaving for work. So I count the objects, checking pockets as I go, and then leave.
When I share this reactions vary. It’s been met with eye-rolling, giggles and, sometimes, flat-out laughter. “You can’t be serious!?” they ask, unable to decide if I’m OCD or senile.
I ask “Have you ever driven to work forgetting something important, even vital, like work keys?”
“Yes! Several times. I hate it when that happens.”
Then I wait … to see if they connect the dots.
Checklists are awesome … and vital. They’re used by engineers, doctors, chefs, pilots and architects. I use them for events, budgets, projects, vacations and this blog.
This article describes how to make them and why they’re important but here are a few benefits I’ve discovered. Checklists:
- Save time – no need to obsess asking “Is that everything?”
- Make time for creative thinking – thinking is labor; checklists save time and energy for big-picture and creative thinking.
- Ensure all information is delivered
- Can be long, short, complicated, simple or obvious – the only question to answer is “How vital is this?”
- Give peace of mind – that feeling you’ve “forgotten something” when leaving on vacation… I rarely have that. If I do forget something, I add it to the list.
- Will need to be tweaked – they’re never set in stone.
- Assist with delegation – you know the task will be done right and the one given the task can do it with confidence.
- Ensures consistency – chefs use checklists so the recipe they created always comes out the way intended.
BONUS: The checklist’s greatest enemy is pride. A checklist doesn’t mean you’re stupid – it means the job is important.
What are some ways that you have used checklists or seen them used?
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