Making his lists, and checking them twice

Steve Payne and I were chatting on the phone last week about good decision-making strategies, workplace safety, and risk analysis. And although we had the best of intentions to keep the conversation serious, it sort of segued into humour as might expected with two Monty Python fanatics. “Strategy number 5: Remove the decorative umbrella from your Mai Tai before you drink or you might poke your eye.”…silly stuff like that.

Santa needs his list to keep track of the good little boys and girls, and to ensure they receive the right gift

We did, fortunately, get back on track. Given my background as a commercial pilot, Steve was interested in a pilot’s approach the routine procedure of an engine start up prior to take-off. I explained that, of course, there is a checklist that every pilot goes through to ensure that proper and safe routines are consistently maintained.

“But surely after a few dozen flights, the pilot would have the checklist memorised” said Steve.

“Yes,” I replied “It’s very likely pilots know the list by heart; but you would never rely on your memory. That would be a risk not worth taking.”

Consistently successful outcomes are the result of consistent discipline
I went on to explain that the engine start-up and control checklist used in my air charter service years ago was not a complicated thing. It was just a plasticised sheet, kept very close at hand in the pouch beside the pilot’s seat. Prior to starting up the engine (hundreds of times each year), we as pilots would reach down, pull out the checklist and go through the procedure step-by-step. Reading that checklist was automatic, an instinctive part of my company’s safe flying practice, just like buckling up our seat belts. It would take us through all our control systems in a consistent step-by-step manner: fuel levels, propeller pitch, ailerons, flaps and rudder controls, engine run-ups,and more. Why do it? Because ensuring everything was functioning correctly was vital to a safe take-off and a safe flight.

We all have repetitive routines
As a successful contractor, you likely have a routine to your jobs that you have learned over the years and follow regularly. Experience has taught you to look at each new project in a consistent way; how to price it out, estimate materials, delegate responsibilities among your crew, schedule sub-trades and so on. You’re probably confident that you know it all by heart. Even so, have you ever skipped a step by mistake? 

How good is YOUR memory?
If you are fortunate enough to have never made a slip-up, maybe you don’t feel the need to make up your own project checklist. However, if you find that one or two fairly routine matters seem to slip through the cracks from time to time (and you kick yourself about it later because of the time and money wasted) consider taking a quiet day and developing your own project checklist.

After a job well done, without mis-haps or omissions, Santa can enjoy some beach-time. Watch that little umbrella, Santa!

Are you taking into account the fact that each project is in fact a little different from the last? Having some sort of checklist might expose where the current project differs from the last, and therefore where a modified approach is required.

The time taken now to introduce some structured discipline to your approach to projects could pay off later, and you can join Santa on the beach for a cocktail. Just remember to remove that little decorative umbrella!