The World Health Organization has shown that surgical deaths can be reduced by a third when hospitals do one thing. . . follow a checklist. Many people think a To-Do-List and a Checklist are identical. If you think in terms of crossing something off, then they are. If you think of the final outcome, they are very different.
The To-Do-List is useful for getting things done, remembering the errands to run, the milk to pick up or what to pack for the trip. These lists take the things rattling around in my brain and get them on paper so that I don't forget. They usually save time because forgetting the baking soda needed for the cake will mean I have to take another trip somewhere - wasted time! I like To-Do-Lists because they keep me efficient and let my mind think about bigger and better things.
The Checklist that I define is essential to repeatable results. Yes, like the To-Do-List, they make sure things get done, but they qualify the results. Most jobs in business that are routine can be put into a checklist at completion.
One of my favorite checklists that I saw in action was a Heating and Air Conditioning Company that had a Diagnostic checklist for the furnace tune-up (very common) but it also had a laminated sheet the HVAC Tech would talk to the customer about - face to face or over the phone. After going over it with the customer, the tech would sign it in front of the customer. This all took about 3 minutes. These were turned in to the office at the end of the day, noted on the customer's file, cleaned and returned for the next day's work. The results were the:
- Customer was given information, the
- Tech made sure that everything was completed and the
- Accountability is there if the customer is called and random customers were and
- This company found an increase in customer satisfaction and referrals after the implementation of these checklists - now that is results.
Check it Out and Start your own Checklists to drive quality forward.
Copyright 2011 Linda Fayerweather MBA EA
2011 Three words: Implement-Lead-Relax http://www.changinglanes.biz/
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linda@changinglanes.biz
Consider working with a coach or a MasterMind Team to make 2011 the year of your dreams!
Conscious Entrepreneurs Believe To Achieve
The underlying reason most people fail to achieve the goals or intentions they've set for themselves is their lack of belief. If you don't believe in either yourself or your ability to achieve your goal, no amount of willpower will get you to take the consistent action necessary to get to the goal.
But belief will.
It's been proven that our beliefs become our reality. So as you contemplate the plans and intentions you've decided upon for 2011, check in to see your level of belief in your ability to achieve those goals. Ask yourself what it would take, possibly being rejected by a prospect or a negative comment about your pursuit, to throw you off course. If there's nothing that can happen from an external source, then you know your belief is pretty powerful!
To build up belief, take small actions towards the achievement of your goal. Take some chances and don't be afraid to fail or be rejected. Remember the most successful people throughout history have become that way, not because they didn't fail, but because they persevered. They believed in themselves and their ability to achieve their goals.
Copyright 2011 Pat Altvater
Transforming Bodies and Minds http://www.outsmartweight.com/
http://www.transformationsinstitute.com/
http://www.ignitethepowerwithinbook.com/
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