Making Lists II

 

A recent article in the New Yorker magazine by Atul Gawande, a surgeon/philosopher (who recently wrote "Being Mortal", a book I highly recommend), discussed the necessity of check lists in certain, if not all professions.  The most obvious profession that uses check lists is airline pilots.  There are so many details for a pilot to be aware of that a check list is the only way to be certain that you've done everything.  The consequences of missing something are quite severe.
The other profession in need of check lists, but who has not yet adopted it universally, is the medical profession.  (Did I leave the sponge in, or take it out?)   Those hospitals that have adopted check lists have had infections reduced more than 80%!
So why not use check lists in sales?  Or in the service business?
A check list could be a list of your 10 most important customers--a list you look at every day, asking yourself if you've done everything you can to get and keep their business.
A check list could be of list of the most important features of your product--did you discuss each of these features with the customer?
Do not depend on memory.  Do not depend on habit.  Depending on your memory can kill airline passengers; kill patients;  and kill sales.  Make a check list and check off the box as you complete the item.  Whatever your profession.