What is the easiest way to solve a quality issue? Check list, if possible a detailed check list—at least that what you would think. In a way, there seems to be a Check List pandemic these days. Have we ever took a minute and reflected on whether this works or not. In my experience it has not for 99.99 percent of the time. It probably works for the first week and then starts to falter.
The reason is simple. The first few weeks, whoever uses the sheet is not familiar and hence pays attention to it. As time passes away it becomes a ritual. People just cross the check boxes and move on. At times, I have seen items on the check sheet that no more applies to the situation. In my opinion, check sheets are the lazy man’s way out of a quality problem. It helps us convince ourselves that we have done something about quality. We are creating an illusion for ourselves. If check lists can solve problems, the world would be free of problems. If you still believe in checklists, do this simple test. Take a check list that people have been using for quite some time. Change it with some stupid items. Find out how many people check those items too.
The reason is simple. The first few weeks, whoever uses the sheet is not familiar and hence pays attention to it. As time passes away it becomes a ritual. People just cross the check boxes and move on. At times, I have seen items on the check sheet that no more applies to the situation. In my opinion, check sheets are the lazy man’s way out of a quality problem. It helps us convince ourselves that we have done something about quality. We are creating an illusion for ourselves. If check lists can solve problems, the world would be free of problems. If you still believe in checklists, do this simple test. Take a check list that people have been using for quite some time. Change it with some stupid items. Find out how many people check those items too.