During the pandemic, while many people were making sourdough bread, my husband decided to take on a slightly different DIY project – he built a small plane. (Yes, really. He’s a whole different kind of do-it-yourselfer!) This project rekindled some old memories for me. Some of you may know that I got my pilot’s license as a teenager, though I didn’t pursue flying much afterward.
A couple of weeks ago, we took that little plane on a short trip to visit our kids at university. As we went through the pre-flight routine, I was struck by how essential checklists are to piloting. Every step matters, from inspecting the fuel to running through cockpit procedures. Even experienced pilots never skip this process – it’s a ritual for ensuring safety and consistency, no matter how many times they’ve flown.
This experience reminded me how much value there is in cross-pollinating ideas from one industry to another. Checklists aren’t just for life-and-death scenarios in aviation or surgery; they are powerful tools in business, too. They help leaders and teams achieve:
Consistency: No detail slips through the cracks, ensuring consistent delivery over time and from different people.
Coordination: Teams align seamlessly on tasks, and individual roles are more clear.
Error Reduction: Mistakes are minimized or caught early.
Accountability: Progress is tracked, keeping everyone focused and responsible.
Continuous Improvement: Processes are refined over time, leading to better outcomes.
Research shows that businesses using structured checklists can boost productivity by up to 25%. As a leader, adopting checklists isn’t just about getting things done – it’s about freeing yourself to focus on strategy, creativity, and leadership.
Next time you feel overwhelmed or bogged down by details, remember: even pilots and surgeons rely on checklists to succeed.
What checklists could help streamline something you or your team does?
