Paul Hill
  • Blog
  • Innovation Training
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact
@PaulHill_io

Three Things to Reduce Mistakes

5/5/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture
It’s a always a helpful reminder to make a list and check it twice.

I recently read Atul Gawande's Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right. I must agree with the author, tragic mistakes can be sharply reduced with just 3 things:

  1. A piece of paper
  2. Hand-drawn boxes
  3. A pencil

I happen to use the iPhone Reminder App...and I use it daily.

I learned from Gawande that, “The volume and complexity of what we know has exceeded our individual ability to deliver its benefits correctly, safely, and/or reliably.”

It's hard to count on people. Can you relate? A select few I know I can always count on to follow through - they are the exception, not the rule. If you want to be a leader here's some advice:
  • Show up
  • Make promises
  • Keep promises
  • Do what you say you're going to do
  • Listen...really listen
  • Trust (but verify)
  • Care about the work (Administer)
  • Care about the people (Minister)
  • Talk to people (not at them)
  • Show respect
If you can't do one of these things then find someone else to replace you. Don;t just quit.

For so many years I have made To Do Lists, or simple Checklists, to keep myself on track so I don’t forget basic basic tasks that I meant to do, but for some reason just omitted. I write down No-Brainer tasks which are STUPID but CRITICAL. I’ve been criticized for listing such mundane tasks, but simply stated, “It really helps me to remember to get it right!” 

I can’t stand it when I don’t do something that is very easy, just because I had too much on my mind to remember to do it.

The excuses are endless: “It takes too much time to make a list,” or “What’s the point? If I forget to do something, then it wasn’t worth remembering.” 

The truth is, checklists only take a few minutes to create and they have the potential to keep you on track for your entire workday. In addition, people (especially those who rely on you) really appreciate it when you do the things you say you will do (add your Ethos to the checklist while you’re at it).

Here's a thought, if your To-Do List gets too long, consider a Not Right Now List. 

I figure if Pilots and Surgeons utilize checklists to get their jobs done, perhaps those of us serving in positions of leadership ought to follow suit.

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Paul Hill, Ph.D.

    ​I design, plan, and evaluate economic development programs for Utah State University. 


    Archives

    September 2022
    December 2020
    August 2020
    August 2018
    February 2018
    February 2017
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011


    RSS Feed


    Search this site:
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Blog
  • Innovation Training
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact