I’ve been through a couple of checklists in the past few days, and it’s reaffirmed my faith in their effectiveness as a communication tool.
Now, there are at least a couple of ways we can look at checklists: in the strategic and tactical senses. You’ll probably recognize the tactical advantages of using checklists: a clear and logical, as well as economical, way to write.
But, let’s look at checklists from the strategic perspective today, and explore them as a tool for achieving our objectives.
Specifically, that means we’ll think of using them to reinforce or change the perceptions of others. For example, if you write out information about something that has to be done, a checklist sends a couple of messages. First, that you’re a well-organized person, and that your message is quite rational.
The creation of a checklist, in itself, should send a message that you’ve given more than cursory attention to the message. It implies that you’ve thought about the process you’re asking others to follow. It also implies that you’ve taken extra time to compose your message; you’ve added value by...