In this article, we will consider a sample checklist. This is the name of a convenient and understandable way to control any complex or multi-stage operation. The range of application of checklists is so wide that information about them will be useful at the same time. creative people, pupils and students, entrepreneurs, company executives and specialists in various fields.

Even if the concept of "checklist" seems unfamiliar to you, you have almost certainly met with it more than once. Most often, this is the name of a list of sequential actions (or steps) that must be taken in order to achieve a goal. It can also be used to check the completion of all items or operations to solve a problem.

Simply put, this is a list of actions that need to be performed one after the other in order to arrive at the final result.

The scope of use of such sheets is so wide that with a high degree of certainty we can say: every person has ever compiled a “to-do list” for himself.

However, in this article, we will look at how checklists help in entrepreneurship and the organization of the work of individuals and entire companies.

"Checklist" is a list of actions that need to be performed one after another in order to reach the final result.

In what areas are checklists used?

The benefits of checklists for production have already been appreciated by many entrepreneurs, managers and employees. When it is necessary to work in multitasking mode (and in modern conditions this happens almost all the time), the to-do list helps to control the execution of all operations. In this case, all goals and objectives do not need to be kept in mind.

The most frequent checklists in the most different forms can be found in:

• aviation (before takeoff, pilots check the readiness of the aircraft according to a special procedure);
• construction;
• medicine (from procedures to the most complex surgical operations);
• accounting and auditing;
• management, including sales;
• education.

Thus, checklists are used in areas where constant concentration is required, and the success of the entire event depends on the implementation of each item (and in aviation and medicine - people's lives). Let's take a look at the different types of checklists.

Use of checklists in selected industries

Originating in the aviation industry, checklists have long outgrown their use in just one industry. Despite the belief of some people that the most important thing cannot be forgotten, practice shows the opposite. AT modern world there are a lot of distractions, so sometimes even an action brought to automaticity is performed with an error. To avoid this, it is wise to use checklists. How are they used in different areas?

Food Service Checklists

In catering establishments, checklists are used constantly and not in a single copy. For example, a restaurant opening checklist helps managers and employees prepare the establishment for opening by ensuring accepted standards of service.

For each shift, a separate sheet is usually prepared, indicating the number, date, and last name of the manager. In this case control sheet - actually a reporting document. In case something does not go according to plan, the manager can study it and understand what mistakes were made by the manager.

1. Checking the plan of events for the day (birthdays, anniversaries).
2. Checking cash at the box office.
3. Organization of cleaning.
4. The presence of reporting sheets in the kitchen and in the toilet.
5. Checking all employees (late, appearance etc).
6. Getting Started in the Kitchen.

Of course this list is approximate, each restaurant develops its own. Separately, a procedure can be developed for each position, for example, a checklist for restaurant waiters, for kitchen workers, etc. Such documents are usually stored for a short time, no more than a month (in case of any problem situation).

In catering establishments, checklists are used constantly and not in a single copy.

Cleaning checklists

In the field of professional cleaning, checklists have also been found. wide application. For example, a checklist for cleaning rooms. A sample of such a list can be made in several versions: as an action plan and as a reporting document. Let's consider both options.

As a plan of action, cleaning checklists are commonly used by professional cleaning companies when providing services to organizations and private clients. Since in this case we are talking about professional cleaning, the list of actions helps to achieve the required level of quality. May include items such as:

1. Dust cleaning, wet cleaning, furniture maintenance.
2. Washing windows.
3. Floor washing.

The meaning of this sheet is to help the employee navigate the place, fulfill all the points and provide cleaning services of the highest quality so that the client does not have any complaints. At the request of the client, other tasks may be included in the checklist.

Also checklists can be used as a reporting document e.g. for cleaning toilets. Almost all people have come across such sheets. Usually they hang in the restrooms of cafes and restaurants. The items of such checklists do not contain a list of tasks, but the cleaning time. After cleaning, the employee puts his signature in front of each item. Such a document helps the manager of the establishment to control and verify the timely completion of cleaning.

Sales checklists

Any employees involved in active sales should use checklists to improve their performance. First of all, checklists are needed to organize communication with the client, especially by phone.

Most cold calls end in failure, because the manager does not communicate with the client, but reads him the finished text. Moreover, even for every question or “objection”, managers have a template. This is convenient in work - you do not need to think and compose your answer - but in practice it is absolutely useless. Clients do not like this approach.

A checklist can help create a more lively conversation, and therefore increase the likelihood of a sale. The sales manager's checklist should include the following items:

1. Acquaintance.
2. Purpose of the call.
3. Offer.
4. Clarification of details, dialogue with the client, answers to objections.
5. Sale (invitation, etc.).
6. Parting.

This option is better than a ready-made sales algorithm, when the manager reads out template phrases in a monotonous voice. It may be more difficult to work with in the early stages, but in the end it will be more effective, as it is more like an individual approach to the client.

Also, checklists can be used to evaluate the performance of not an individual manager, but the entire sales department. In this case, they contain questions like:

1. Has the company developed a marketing strategy?
2. Has the sales plan been communicated to employees?
3. Have sales algorithms and a checklist of employees been developed?
4. Is there a customer base?
5. How many calls per day do employees make?
6. How many calls per sales per employee?
7. How long does an average telephone conversation last?
8. How the sales plan is carried out (per day, per week, per month).

Thus, constant monitoring and methodical implementation of all points will improve the efficiency of each employee, especially in the field of sales. It is important that leaders of organizations take checklisting seriously and instill the habit of using this type of time management in all employees.

Any employees involved in active sales should use checklists to improve their performance.

How a checklist helps mystery shoppers

The task of a mystery shopper is a comprehensive assessment of the work of an individual seller and the entire store as a whole. In this case, a checklist of measured parameters is indispensable. Usually in such lists, items are rated on a five-point scale or simply yes / no. The mystery shopper checklist should include the following items:

1. Buyer contact:
   • the seller comes up first, appears;
   • friendly, polite;
   • neat appearance;
   • interested, smiling.
2. Ownership of information:
   • identifies the needs of the buyer by asking questions, including open and clarifying ones;
   • talks about the products that are of interest to the client;
   • offers analogues that the buyer does not know about;
   • confidently owns the material about the goods.
3. Presentation of company services:
   • talks about current promotions and discounts;
   • offers to take part in loyalty programs (issue a card, receive bonuses, subscribe to the newsletter).
4. Work with objections:
   • does not speak negatively about the opinion of the buyer, does not call it erroneous;
   • does not argue openly, offers an alternative;
   • presents well-reasoned counterarguments.
5. End of sale:
   • sums up the dialogue;
   • informs about the additional properties of the product, which were not discussed in the previous conversation;
   • tells the procedure for making a purchase (where is the fitting room, where is the cash register, where is the issuing area, etc.);
   • thanks for the purchase and choosing the store.

There are both simpler and more complex versions of mystery shopping checklists. However The more details the mystery shopper reveals, the better., therefore it is better to develop a sufficiently voluminous and detailed questionnaire about the work of store employees.

Checklists in personal time management

Checklists can be used not only to organize the work of enterprises, but also in personal planning. For example, if the company does not use checklists, but the employee sees the need for it, he must create such a checklist for himself.

This will simplify the execution of the current work, will identify the most effective algorithms for performing certain operations. Working on a checklist will relieve some of the psychological burden - even a complex project, broken into parts, becomes more feasible. And the absence of the risk of forgetting something is a pleasant bonus when planning.

Working on a checklist will relieve some of the psychological burden - even a complex project, broken into parts, becomes more feasible.

How to write a good checklist

In order for the checklist to work “as it should”, you need to correctly compose it. Here are some recommendations:

1. The list should be simple and short. You do not need to write a detailed essay, you need to highlight the main thing and write down as much as possible. in simple words. At one glance at the sheet, it should be clear what to do.
2. Items should be consistent and interconnected. Remember, this is an algorithm for achieving only one goal. The checklist assumes a stepwise approach to the task. That is, go to the second paragraph only after completing the first.
3. Make edits. Record all changes, improvements and improvements in the checklist.
4. If you make a personal checklist, make it convenient for you personally. Use highlights, italics, capital letters. In this case, you do not need to worry about how clear the sheet is to other people.
5. The checklist should fit on 1 sheet if you make it on paper or fit into the size of a computer or phone screen without scrolling if you prefer the electronic version. Optimal - 5-7 points.

Where to keep the checklist

Depending on the purpose of checklists, there may be several options for storing them:

1. Personal checklists are stored in diaries, as well as phones and computers. The simplest checklists “what not to forget when leaving the house” are appropriate to place at the front door.
2. Work and service checklists of employees must be placed in plain sight at the workplace or in electronic form on the computer desktop.
3. Collective checklists should be posted in places where they are accessible to all employees involved in their implementation.

Conclusion

A checklist is a great option for planning work and improving its efficiency. Such checklists have found use in virtually all areas of activity: from aviation and medicine to catering and professional cleaning. A well-designed algorithm will help you approach even the most serious and multi-stage tasks without fear.

Accidentally discovered an interesting tool for forming good habits. First I will tell the story, and then I will give the instrument itself.

Faced such a problem

I began to go to bed late, often after dawn. As a result, he got up late, did not get enough sleep, and felt worse all day. By the evening I was very tired, but I could not sleep and was stupid on the phone. It was a vicious circle.

Tried setting alarms and reminders

I started with a regular alarm clock for the evening. The signal meant it was time to go to bed. But the alarm didn't help. He caught me in the middle of some business, and I turned it off, first with slight annoyance, and then on full automatic.

I tried to put myself an event in the calendar with a notification on the screen, in the mail and on the phone:

And now you stop doing what you do there and go to sleep. Otherwise P*****ts!

Notifications came immediately to all devices and sounded like a gun salvo. At first, this made an impression on the brain, and he obeyed. Then a couple of times the volley caught me on Skype, which could not be quickly interrupted, and I had to ignore the notifications. Notifications no longer seem mandatory. Soon, the perceived meaning changed to “you need to sleep for an hour.” They were no longer required to respond immediately, so the brain quickly learned to ignore them completely. Failure!

It was time to change tactics.

Decided to gather information

Started an A4 sheet with 4 lines:

• Woke up rested
• Got up before 10 o'clock
• Lie down up to 24 hours
• Lie down without screens

I put this piece of paper with a pen on the table in the bathroom. In the morning, the brain saw a leaf and put 4 squiggles on the machine.

Nothing happened for a few weeks, and then the magic began.

1. I noticed and felt the connection: "lay down without screens - woke up rested." It gave strength.
2. I understood the connection between the leaflet and reality. The excitement of managing numerical metrics has appeared.
3. I couldn't ignore reminders so easily anymore. Previously, a missed reminder disappeared forever. The next day, a new one arrived, and also disappeared without a trace. And now everything falls into the table. Missed reminders do not disappear, but are summarized.

This mechanism has been extremely successful.

“Mood” became a separate metric. So I realized that 15 minutes of meditation a day steadily and reliably raise my mood by one. Music, communication with friends, a powerful motorcycle and active sports also do this. For me, this is no longer "book" knowledge, but "internal". That is, on the basis of which I act.

Then the mechanism moved online

Going online is a big risk, because the leaf itself catches your eye every morning, and you need to specifically remember about the program. I would start skipping days and the system would collapse. Therefore, I replaced the leaf with an old iPad, left only 1 program there and put it exactly in the same place. For reliability, I created a daily task “Fill in a personal checklist”.

There was no special application in the app store, but Google Sheets did a good job with the function. See screenshot at the beginning of the post.

Result

It's been 6 months, the flight is normal. There are no more problems with sleep, almost all other indicators are in green zone. Average mood increased from 5-6 to 7-8. And for me, it's not just numbers!)

Here is the final table template, you can copy and adapt to your needs. Highlighting is configured line by line using conditional formatting. But a sheet of paper and a pen are cooler, honestly.

We interviewed over 2,000 executives and came up with the actions that will make your work as efficient as possible. Download and save the five most necessary checklists for the manager.

No. 1. Checklist to bring to your interview

Will help:

• select only the people you need;
• make an informed decision at the interview;
• do not succumb to the charm of the candidate.

No. 2. Checklist for effective delegation of authority

Will help:

• determine how effectively you delegate authority;
• detect and fix errors in delegation;
• change the approach to task delegation.

No. 3. Checklist for identifying errors in the company's work

Will help:

• find the weaknesses of the sales department;
• to correct possible managerial errors before the end of the year;
• increase the key indicators of the company.

No. 4. Checklist for checking your commercial offer

Will help:

• identify weaknesses in your commercial offer;
• distinguish your commercial offer from the rest;
• achieve a conversion of up to 50% from your commercial offer.

No. 5. Checklist: find out if you face a tax audit

Will help:

• determine if your company is at risk of an unscheduled audit;
• avoid possible problems with the tax authorities;
• protect yourself from an on-site tax audit.