Tip #448 - Turbo-Charge Your Checklists
Dear Tip of the Weeker,
The humble checklist can be a powerful business tool for getting things done - and getting them done the way you want them done, when you want them done.
All too often, however, completed checklists are just a bunch of check marks on paper that may (or may not) mean that the assigned task has been done correctly.
Are your employees just going through the motions?
Here's a trick that will take any checklist, from a simple to-do list to your formal opening/closing checklist, and turbo-charge it.
Use initials instead of check marks.
Have your employees put their initials in the blank they would normally check off when they have completed a task. Because the employee now has claimed ownership of the task, they are more likely to complete it thoroughly and properly.
And if the job is not done (or not done to your standard) now you know who to talk to about the problem. They can’t wiggle out of it because their initials are right there on the checklist.
This simple switch from check marks to initials will make all the difference in how well your employees maintain your set standards!
