The Value of Checklists

Today's a big day - it's my rock band's second performance since we started back up after a nearly 20 month hiatus due to the pandemic.

Putting on a show is a complicated endeavor where a single cable or component can mean the difference between a successful show and maddening frustration.

Years ago, I was turned on to a little book called "The Checklist Manifesto" by Atul Gawande and it changed my mind about checklists.

I used to keep a lot in my head - believing that I could remember everything I needed to do in our pre-show routine - only to be burned on multiple occasions.

Not having a checklist created unnecessary risk and a lot of avoidable waste that came mainly in the form of waiting, transportation, motion, and over-processing.

What application in your business, work, or personal life deserves a checklist? I know my wife's 'vacation checklist' has saved us many times over.

Now it's back to my preparations. Where's Snoopy? There can't be a show without Snoopy on stage with me...

Have a great weekend.

Andy