Are we tackling a problem that can be resolved with a checklist?
Summary
Problem | Description | Example | Hallmarks | Can a Checklist Help? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Simple | Easily knowable. | Procedure for receiving goods | Following the steps brings a high likelihood of success | Yes with procedural steps. |
Complicated | Not simple, but still knowable. | Deployment procedure for software | Unanticipated difficulties are frequent but predictable. Timing and coordination are serious concerns. | Yes with more detailed documentation for dealing with unexpected outcomes. |
Complex | Not fully knowable, but reasonably predictable. | Organizational change. | Outcomes for complex problems remain highly uncertain. | Limitedly - the problems in this space need to be further broken down for better management. |
Chaotic | Neither knowable nor predictable. | The Weather. | Many pieces operating together in a system. | Nope - if you cannot repeat the result - you cannot make it a checklist. |
Simple
Simple problems that need a disciplined result suit checklists.
When you are able to articulate a series of steps that will produce the
same or similar results in all scenarios you know you have a great
candidate for systematization.
Complicated
Most information system problems are of this nature. They need the interaction
of many people or are larger than what can be recalled by a human.
These kinds of problems are also suited to Checklists.
Complex
Complex problems need to be broken down into smaller parts. Then a checklist can become useful. For example making a checklist to "Improve business revenue 50%" will not work. You should split these into sets of repeatable tasks that drive towards that goal. An achievable, quantifiable result should be at the heart of a good checklist.
Chaotic
Danger Will Robinson, Danger. If you cannot articulate, explain and predict with any great certainty steps that will effect an outcome you should not try to capture these in a checklist.