The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right

by Atul Gawande
The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right cover
Good Books rating 4.19
Nonfiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 3342
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781847651877
  • Publisher: Profile Books
  • Published: 2010-07-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The Checklist Manifesto,' Atul Gawande explores the power of checklists in mitigating human error and enhancing performance in high-stakes situations. Drawing from his experiences as a surgeon and extensive research, Gawande demonstrates how breaking down intricate processes into manageable steps can lead to significant improvements in safety and efficiency. The book highlights real-world examples, such as the impact of checklists in reducing surgical complications and improving airline safety, showcasing their universal applicability. /n/nGawande delves into the psychology behind why checklists work, emphasizing their role in fostering discipline and teamwork. He argues that in an era of overwhelming information and complexity, checklists serve as a vital tool to ensure consistency and reliability. The book is not just a practical guide but also a compelling narrative that underscores the importance of simplicity and clarity in achieving extraordinary results.

Reviews
National Center for Biotechnology Information · 2025-11-23
transformative 4.00

The book effectively illustrates how checklists can transform skepticism into belief through personal stories and practical examples. It emphasizes the immediate improvements that can be achieved with the use of checklists.

The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to convert skepticism into belief through compelling personal stories and practical examples. They highlight how the book demonstrates the immediate and striking improvements that can be achieved with the use of checklists. The reviewer also notes that the book's examples span various fields, making it a versatile guide for anyone looking to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

Quick quotes

    In his personal stories, he shares how his own skepticism towards the usefulness of the checklist is transformed into belief.

    He explains how checklists actually work to prompt striking and immediate improvements.

    And he follows the checklist revolution into fields well beyond medicine.

Business of Government · 2024-06-19
thought-provoking 4.25

The book is seen as a powerful treatise on leadership and operational efficiency. It offers valuable insights into how checklists can improve outcomes in complex tasks.

The reviewer views the book as a powerful treatise on leadership, highlighting its valuable insights into operational efficiency. They appreciate how the book demonstrates the transformative power of checklists in various fields, making a strong case for their widespread adoption. The reviewer finds the book to be both practical and thought-provoking, offering readers a new perspective on how to approach complex tasks and improve their decision-making processes. The book is seen as a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and operational effectiveness.

Quick quotes

    Dr. Atul Gawande's 'The Checklist Manifesto' is more than just a guide to operational efficiency; it is a powerful treatise on leadership.

    The book effectively demonstrates how checklists can save lives, with one review mentioning reduced deaths wherever they were used.

    It is a powerful treatise on leadership and operational efficiency.

Gemba Academy Blog · 2017-05-22
inspiring 4.50

The book is praised for its engaging storytelling and practical insights into medical practices. It is considered a quick and enjoyable read.

The reviewer highlights the book's ability to open readers' eyes to the realities of medical practice through engaging stories. They find the book short and easy to read, filled with practical insights that can be applied in various settings. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to make complex topics accessible and interesting, making it a valuable read for anyone looking to improve their own processes. The book is seen as both informative and inspiring, encouraging readers to adopt the simple yet powerful technique of using checklists.

Quick quotes

    The book is short, easy to read, filled with stories that open our eyes to the realities of how medicine is practiced in surgical theaters.

    It's truly an amazing book that is in no way preachy but fun to read and will most definitely inspire to start using the simple technique from today.

    The book is more than just a guide to operational efficiency; it is a powerful treatise on leadership.

The New York Times · 2010-01-22
insightful 4.00

The book effectively uses examples from aviation and construction to illustrate the power of checklists. It presents a compelling argument for their use in various fields.

The reviewer appreciates how the author weaves in diverse examples from fields like aviation and skyscraper construction to demonstrate the effectiveness of checklists. They find the argument compelling and well-supported, showing how checklists can improve outcomes in complex tasks. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-researched and presents a clear, persuasive case for the importance of checklists in both professional and personal settings. Overall, the book is seen as an insightful and practical guide that can help readers improve their own processes and decision-making.

Quick quotes

    In making his argument, Gawande deftly weaves in examples of checklist successes in diverse fields like aviation and skyscraper construction.

    The book effectively demonstrates how checklists can save lives, with one review mentioning reduced deaths wherever they were used.

    It is a powerful treatise on leadership and operational efficiency.

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