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DNA acts as a template or checklist for copying with exceptional low error rates.
Let Checklists become part of Your Genetic Code.
Generate these checklists benefits using natures solutions:
-Eliminate lapses or mistakes -Create business stability across generations of your staff. -Train new staff faster and better. -Capture your best practice and experience. -Capture improvements easily. -Demonstrate that you have not been negligent.
Here's how to checklist your way to fun and freedom using natures solutions:
1)Start in a small way and build it up. Don't worry about getting everything right first time. Take a simple task where things are being forgotten or missed and create a checklist.
2)Make a list of tasks to be done in correct order on a sheet with check boxes to mark off that tasks that are completed. Just write down what you are doing now as a starter. Incorporate instructions into your checklist.
3)Break down complex tasks into small manageable building blocks. Try to break up task into pieces where minimum or low risk links or interfaces exist. Keep it simple.
4)Use diagrams. Remember, a picture is worth a 1000 words.
5)Use checklists to control interface between a) staff and departments internally and b) between you and you're customers and suppliers. Failures often occur at interfaces.
6)Involve your staff in creation of checklist. Note, in nature, genes collaborate to survive. Remind staff that checklists mean no loss of esteem. Airline pilots use them all time. Checklists permit good professional practice. Staff involvement will also lead to their commitment to use checklist.
7)Maximise use of experience within and outside your business. Use other peoples genes. Don't try to reinvent wheel. Find out what others do. Beg, borrow and swipe checklist ideas.
8)Request your staff check off checklist with their initials and date. File your checklist as record of your good practice. If a customer challenges your performance, you've great evidence to demonstrate that you were not negligent in any way.
9)Modify checklist to close any gap, if mistakes are still occurring. Keep doing this until you can reproduce task without lapses. Checklists just make this so easy.
10)Make sure you use correct checklist. Introduce a system that ensures your staff will always use most up to date version of checklist. If not old lapses will recur. Keep latest master checklists in a clearly titled folder (paper or computer).
11)Make checklists readily available. You can use folders for different areas or processes of your business, so that your staff can readily find right checklist for job.
Simple checklists yield so much power. Let checklists become part of your genetic code.
Start today, create your first checklist and start process of getting your life back. Stop fire fighting and begin to have fun and freedom.
Syd Stewart is the author of "Smiling Owner - How to Build a Great Small Business - An Evolutionary Approach". He has been an Business owner and manager for over 30 years.Visit his site to find out how you can Build a Great Small Business at http://www.smilingowner.com