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Book Review: The Checklist Manifesto

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Services for Real Estate Pros

Book Review The Checklist Manifesto; How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande.

An intriguing book written by a surgeon/author, The Checklist Manifesto explores the increasing liklihood of errors when humans approach their complex world. He looks at errors of ignorance (we don't know and cannot do) and errors of ineptitude (we know but we forget to do), and the resultant costs.

Based in medicine, Guwande examines applications of checklists in other parts of our complex world also. Survivability rates with use of checklists for surgery may well surprise you.

Although I have prided myself with becoming proficient with systems eg photography, sales, military, customer service, driving, etc, I find with increasing age ( I am past my "use by" date) that I am becoming more reliant on lists, even in real estate matters (so that when I arrive at my open house, my signs arrive with me, including the directionals).  I can become more efficient/reliable with the humblest of quality control devices - the checklist.

The Checklist Manifesto - a book well worth the read, with optional application.

 

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Comments(7)

Alice Broadway
IXL Real Estate - Mobile, AL
Real Estate Broker

Great post Larry, not just us elders need checklist young people do too.

Jan 06, 2011 04:00 PM
Dan Rosenberger
Harvest Realty - Westfield, IN

Thanks for posting about that.  I will have to look that up on Amazon.  I think check lists are an important part of systems, and good systems are an important part of success.

Jan 06, 2011 04:03 PM
Kimberly A Norgard
Devlin McNiff Halstead Real Estate - East Hampton, NY

This is the first book review I've read on AR and I love it.  Thank you.

Jan 06, 2011 10:00 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Larry,

Sounds like a very interesting read.  Appreciate the heads up.  I will put this one my list to read.

Jan 07, 2011 01:09 AM
Larry O'Sullivan
Sandy, UT

Alice - in the office I am surrounded by youngsters who know everything, on my own I have to make other provisions.

Dan - Thanks for the wisdom. I am coming to appreciate flow charts more and more.

Kimberly - I read voraciously and usually write comments on what I read. Some of these notes have been known to turn into reviews on my blogs. My choices do not always correspond to my readers' tastes. But then again it would be a strange world if we were all in agreement.

Richard - Go for it. You sound like you have a great list of "to reads". I have a similar situation whenever I go near a bookstore.

Jan 07, 2011 02:26 AM
Barbara Hensley
RE/MAX Properties - Rockwall, TX
Homes for Sale in Rockwall County, Texas

Larry, this sounds like a "to read" book.  I have used lists throughout my life and love checking off the "done" things.  I find that making a list late in the day for the next day helps me to start the day with purpose.  Very nice post!

Jan 07, 2011 02:27 AM
Tish Lloyd
BlueCoast Realty Corporation - Wilmington, NC
Broker - Wilmington NC and Surrounding Beaches

Great post, Larry!  I find I am much more "proficient" when I use lists and I must admit I love to put those little check marks in front of each one.

Jan 07, 2011 03:32 AM