The awesome power of checklists
Atul Gawande is a US surgeon and best-selling author of The Checklist. In his book, Gawande demonstrates how, in an increasingly complex world, the humble checklist serves as a practical tool for managing and overcoming challenging situations.
Originally developed by the US Air Force, checklists are widely relied on from medical operating theatres and landing an aeroplane to investment banking and building skyscrapers.
Checklists help overcome two main difficulties experts face working in complex environments:
The fallibility of human memory and attention, particularly where it comes to routine and mundane matters that often get overlooked when there are other pressing things on your mind
Our tendency to skip steps even when we remember them, because not all steps are required every time. This creates the illusion that the current situation we face is ‘different’ and skipping a step is OK. But often, it’s not the case.
Used in the right context, checklists help simplify complexity and manage the risk of error in high consequence situations. They help us get important things right.
When Checklists Work Well
Repetitive Tasks with Clear Steps - In industries such as aviation and healthcare, checklists help ensure safety and consistency by guiding professionals through complex but standardised processes. For example, surgical checklists have reduced complications and death rates in hospitals.
High-Stakes Situations - In critical scenarios, such as emergency response or piloting, checklists help individuals focus on the essentials, reducing cognitive overload under pressure.
When Checklists Don’t Work Well
Creative or Abstract Problem-Solving - In situations requiring innovation, brainstorming, or flexible thinking, rigid checklists can stifle creativity. For example, designing a marketing campaign often relies more on inspiration than step-by-step processes.
Dynamic Environments with Constant Change - When conditions change rapidly, and tasks require on-the-spot judgement or adaptation, checklists can become obsolete quickly.
Best Practices
Keep it simple and focused - Avoid overly detailed steps that might bog down the user and be very clear in the language used so there is no room for misinterpretation.
Use the do-confirm approach - Where tasks are required to be completed based on their expertise and experience and there is a pause at critical points to confirm that essential steps have been completed. This method works partifucaly well where professional judgment and procedural reliability are needed.
Make ownership clear - Make the person who needs to perform the checks clear and when they need to use it.
Tailor to the task - Ensure the checklist is relevant and adaptable to the situation.
Use it as a guide, not a crutch - Combine checklists with expertise and judgement.
Update regularly - Ensure it remains relevant in dynamic environments.