Book info

• Title The Checklist Manifesto
• Author Atul Gawande
• Year 2009
• Genre Non-fiction

In this groundbreaking book, Atul Gawande makes a compelling argument for the checklist, which he believes to be the most promising method available in surmounting failure. Whether you're following a recipe, investing millions of dollars in a company or building a skyscraper, the checklist is an essential tool in virtually every area of our lives, and Gawande explains how breaking down complex, high pressure tasks into small steps can radically improve everything from airline safety to heart surgery survival rates. Fascinating and enlightening, The Checklist Manifesto shows how the simplest of ideas could transform how we operate in almost any field.

Thoughts

This is such an interesting book, and the results are incredible for something so simple. In an effort to improve conditions in hospital, the experiment was just to introduce a checklist - not just to make sure the steps are ticked off, but to encourage people to think about what they’re doing and also foster a feeling of team camaraderie. Amazing how effective it is, and with examples in the medical industry, as well as aviation and more, it’s a wonder this isn’t shouted about more often.

Rating: 5 / 5