I had heard about The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande, but for whatever reason didn’t feel the need to read it. My mistake. This is an excellent book that outlines the high value of a simple checklist. Gawande, a surgeon, worked with the World Health Organization to create a simple one-page checklist that every operating room in the world could use. It was an ambitious undertaking, but it has been highly successful. The checklist helps you remember to do “the stupid things” and, according to Gawande, has saved countless lives.

My initial hesitation about reading the book was it seemed to be oriented around the medical field. To my surprise and delight, Gawande explores several industries and points out how checklists are incorporated in many ways. He always brings it back to the operating room, but he takes the time to explore the airline industry, the construction industry, and even a high quality restaurant kitchen. They all use checklists.

A good book, and a great way to start the New Year!