The Checklist Manifesto

Today we find ourselves in possession of stupendous know-how, which we willingly place in the hands of the most highly skilled people. But avoidable failures are common, and the reason is simple: the volume and complexity of our knowledge has exceeded our ability to consistently deliver it—correctly, safely, or efficiently.

In this groundbreaking book, Atul Gawande makes a compelling argument for the checklist, which he believes to be the most promising method available for surmounting failure. Whether you're following a recipe, investing millions of pounds in a company, or building a skyscraper, the checklist is an essential tool in virtually every area of our lives. Gawande explains how breaking down complex, high-pressure tasks into small steps can radically improve everything from airline safety to heart surgery survival rates.

Fascinating and enlightening, The Checklist Manifesto shows how the simplest of ideas could transform how we operate in almost any field.