Check-list - what is this? How do I compile a check list?

To be in time to do everything, forget nothing and not make a mistake! You will be surprised, but it is with such thoughts that many modern people go to sleep or get up in the morning. What methods and means are not used to increase professional and personal productivity. Someone puts alarm clocks and reminders on personal electronic devices, someone "in the old fashion" pastes everything around him with colorful stickers. But there is also one really convenient option that works - check-list. What is this and is this magic tool for everyone?

Magic lists verified in flights

It is believed that initially the check-lists began to be used in aviation. The control of the aircraft includes a number of performing a number of complex operations in a certain sequence. And without a system of reminders, even an experienced pilot with an assistant can make mistakes, and errors in such a matter can have total consequences. That's why as an additional "insurance" aviators for each flight is offered a check list. What is it? In fact, the list consisting of the individual actions required to perform, in this case organized in the correct sequence. Since this tool works perfectly in aviation, it was also used by civilians, whose professions are far from aviation.

Who will be useful check-lists and for what?

Daily reminder systems will be useful to any person who wants to increase personal productivity. Time management is a field of knowledge, the basic principles and techniques of which can equally successfully be used by a leader, a beginning entrepreneur and any housewife. Only the specifics change, since each type of activity has its own specificity. In the standard version, the checklist is a list of actions and tasks. But if it is necessary, you can make it in the form of a list of some individual items. Many are shopping lists - which, in fact, are also checklists, as well as any culinary recipe, recorded in a column in the form of a set of components with recommendations for dosage. By the way, practically in all catering establishments such reminders hang in the kitchen for the cooks, so that they can cook faster, using the tips on the weight of the portion and each specific product used in a certain dish. Most often the check-list is created for one person, but if a certain task is solved by a group of persons, the list will also help out. In this case, it is necessary to break the business / ultimate goal into subparagraphs, each of which will be performed by one employee. Further, each task is assigned to a certain performer and, if necessary, he paints it for himself in stages in his personal check-list.

General rules for drawing up

If you want to become more productive and manage more without unnecessary fuss, it's time to try to make your first check-list. Such a plan should have a clear structure and attractive appearance. It is also desirable to observe a temporal sequence (you can abandon it if all tasks are unlimited). Avoid long paragraphs, it is desirable that each task be expressed in 3-4 words, and be sure to use verbs. How do I compile a check list that will work? It's simple - choose a format that is convenient for you: paper, a note in your phone or a file on your computer. In all, you should have two columns, the first number will be recorded and the task itself formulated, and in the second one, a check mark will be placed as it executes. Experts advise not to delete the done business, namely mark them with check marks or crosses.

Formulate tasks correctly

In order for your checklists to really start working, it's important to learn how to correctly formulate tasks. Cases that are carried out regularly, you can not paint on sub-items, but one-time tasks and instructions should preferably be divided into sub-items. For example: it is desirable to record negotiations with new clients with at least 3 notations, highlighting those topics that you need to discuss. If you need to send a daily report, we write a task with one item. Be sure to write down everything that you really can forget. To reduce the time for doing business, you can also make detailed notes in the checklist, for example, to enter contact information of those with whom you plan to contact.

Helpful Tips

Some business planners are advised to write to the checklist of the task as if they had already been executed. Accordingly, it is not necessary to write "... but ...". Done! ". This is a fairly effective, in terms of psychology, reception, but it will take some time to get used to. It is also convenient to use a marking system. Choose the most convenient option for yourself: text highlighters, underline. But try not to get involved in the allocation, otherwise you will get a too motley and bright check-list. Filling out the to-do list should be carried out in one color, and for selection use no more than two colors, marking the most important thing.

Do not try to catch everything

A popular question among those who are just starting to work with the lists of cases: check-list - what is it, a work plan for a week or a daily one? Long-term goals and actions must be recorded separately. Check-list is a mini-list, calculated for one day. The total number of items should not exceed 20. Otherwise, you either do not cope or overdo it, and these two options have nothing to do with productivity. Making a check-list can become a regular evening or morning ritual. At the end of the day, it's time to look through your list and see if all of the things you have planned have been carried out in the right amount.

Verification required

So, suppose you have finished compiling your first check-list. What to do next? It's simple, now is the time to read it carefully and check it. First, it is important to really not forget anything and not miss it. Secondly, during the test you can adjust something and add it as needed. And only if everything suits you, you can take a check-list to work. Try not to forget to put notes on the implementation of the work in a timely manner. If it seems to you that the creation of check-lists is a long and difficult, we hurry to dissuade you. For convenience, you can store some templates, for example, lists for collecting things on a business trip, or basic tasks for each day (provided that they are repeated). On average, filling the check-list does not take more than 10-15 minutes together with the verification, it is important to only choose a time when nobody and nothing will distract you.

Tool for analysis

The check list is not only a tool for reminding and increasing productivity. You can also use to-do lists in the corporate environment. The manager can make check-lists for his subordinates and with their help to monitor and control the process of accomplishing tasks. This tool will also be useful if you are just starting to work on yourself, looking for the most suitable methods and options for the distribution of daily activity. In this case, it is also necessary to check the number or percentage of completed cases and unsolved tasks on a daily basis, and then create a new program the next day based on the results. It turns out that the question: "Check-list - what is it?" Can be answered in the following way: an instrument for raising and evaluating productivity.