I came from a company where there was a checklist for almost any type of project that we did more than 2 times a year. ALTA's, Topos, ROS's, Subdivisions, etc. And that is kind of how my brain works (but that is besides the point)
I now work at a place that doesn't use them at all. I am thinking of starting some, for projects I am working on. They will be for me only (at this point but I know others will start using them after they see them) so I can make hem however I want. Do you guys use checklists?
And secondly, We work in two states with varying laws. Lets use a Topo Map for example. There are certain things that need to be shown on them in one state but not the other. Do you have a separate topo checklist for each state, or a state specific section on your topo checklist list? (Since we are only two states, I am thinking the latter.)
In my experience if you do a task frequently, in a condensed time period, you don't need a check list so much. The more complex the task, and the more a task gets spread out over time, the more you need check lists to get content correct and track where the hill you were when you last touched the project. They're also helpful for when you hand the tasks to the less experienced / less skilled helpers.
I have a checklist for things that go on a plat.
I use checklists for lots of things around here. Sources of record info to research and checking a plat are two big ones. I also have a project checklist for all the items that need done before a project gets buttoned up and put away. Things like distribution of deliverables, client communications, recording, invoice & payment, etc.
Most of my work is in one state, mostly in one county. If I would take the time to revise my checklists and add other items I need in other jurisdictions, I would be more confident that I'm not forgetting something important.
Thanks, Edward, for the link to the book. One of the reviews says that the book grew out of the author's magazine article, which is worth a read. It got me thinking not only about revising my checklists and procedures, but about how we as humans are amazingly capable, innovative, and resourceful, but even the most capable of us are subject to forgetfulness. I read the article to the kids and we had an interesting discussion about how much better off we will be if we're diligent and careful, but even if we are, we still don't always remember things, notice things, and connect the dots like we should. Being forgetful is part of being human.
Time for the joke, which I might have told on this forum before. One of my all-time favorites as I age.
A couple were getting older and having trouble remembering things. They would go to the grocery store but forget to swing by the post office and dry cleaner. Or go to the store for two things and only get one of them. Their daughter suggested they start making lists, and it helped.
One night they were downstairs watching TV and the man said, "I could use a snack. I think there's some ice cream in the fridge."
The woman replied, "That sounds good. Bring me a bowl.
As the man got to the foot of the stairs, she added, "Oh, and there's chocolate syrup. Put some of that on."
He started to climb the stairs and she called, "And nuts. In the cupboard. That's three things. Should you make a list?"
"Nah, I don't need a list. I can remember that."
He was gone a long time, and she heard banging around in the kitchen. Eventually he came back downstairs with two plates of scrambled eggs.
The woman frowned and scolded, "I told you you should make a list. You forgot the bacon."
Check lists are helpful.
When you remember to look at them.
As 1 man crew, I have a mental check list of equipment that should be in the truck when I leave...like, I dunno...the backsite set-up. :cool:.
Most of what we do cannot be reduced to a checklist. The series of if/thens would drive you nuts. That being said, I use a checklist on my last trip through looking at maps. It's not the end all but it catches the forest trees issues..
I make check lists for the new guy. Helps him stay focused instead of always trying to remember what he's suppose to be doing next. For myself after doing the same things a few thousand times, using a check list on them would get a bit redundant. Mental check list before pulling out of the office parking lot, maybe... field book, check, data collector, check, batteries for gear, check. Gas in truck, check. Bright cheery attitude ...... whatever.
Checklists are fine when used for what they can do. Which is to be the last ditch defense. But too often I've seen them used as a replacement for actual management, mentoring, and process development.
Famously, pilots use checklists before takeoff. But only after training, flight planning, aircraft maintenance, walking around the aircraft ,etc., etc.
Edward Reading, post: 404426, member: 132 wrote: This is a very good book on the subject.
Just wanted to say thanks again for the book recommendation. I was intrigued by the Amazon reviews and the New Yorker article, so I asked my local librarian to find me a copy of the book. She did, and since today was cold and snowy, and I did something today I haven't done in years. I read a book cover-to-cover in one day. Needless to say, I enjoyed it.
The author is a surgeon, so many of the stories and applications are from the medical world. I don't know a lot about that, but I marvel at what is possible these days. He also draws a lot of applications from aviation, which I enjoy, as do many others on this site. Then there are stories about investors, chefs, and building highrise buildings. People from all walks of life can relate to and benefit from what he has to say.
A favorite quote from the book: Discipline is hard... We are by nature flawed and inconstant creatures. We can't even keep from snacking between meals. We are not built for discipline. We are built for novelty and excitement, not for careful attention to detail. Discipline is something we have to work at.
This thread, like many others on this site has improved my surveying practice. Thanks to those who make it possible. I think I'll get to work tomorrow morning revising my plat checklist...
John Thompson, post: 409328, member: 9631 wrote: Just wanted to say thanks again for the book recommendation. I was intrigued by the Amazon reviews and the New Yorker article, so I asked my local librarian to find me a copy of the book. She did, and since today was cold and snowy, and I did something today I haven't done in years. I read a book cover-to-cover in one day. Needless to say, I enjoyed it.
The author is a surgeon, so many of the stories and applications are from the medical world. I don't know a lot about that, but I marvel at what is possible these days. He also draws a lot of applications from aviation, which I enjoy, as do many others on this site. Then there are stories about investors, chefs, and building highrise buildings. People from all walks of life can relate to and benefit from what he has to say.
A favorite quote from the book: Discipline is hard... We are by nature flawed and inconstant creatures. We can't even keep from snacking between meals. We are not built for discipline. We are built for novelty and excitement, not for careful attention to detail. Discipline is something we have to work at.
This thread, like many others on this site has improved my surveying practice. Thanks to those who make it possible. I think I'll get to work tomorrow morning revising my plat checklist...
Awesome John, I'm glad that you got something from the book too. It sounds like a pretty boring topic, but he makes it really very interesting. I'm a big fan of checklists and procedures. People are flawed.
