Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

A review of Atul Gawande’s seminal book ~ The Checklist Manifesto ~ and the lessons it holds for engineers.

Atul Gawande’s “The Checklist Manifesto” offers a simple but potent solution for many problems leaders in complex industries face: checklists. The book targets a broad audience, so I was surprised how its message translates clearly to software engineering.

Gawande argues that checklists bridge the gap between theoretical plans and practical application. They are a safety net, helping catch errors before they cause problems. His case is convincing, and it is backed by evidence from diverse fields. He shares personal experiences as a surgeon as the usefulness of checklists on the operation room. He brings in a detailed study on checklists drastically reduced airplane accidents. The diverse set of examples he provides suggests checklists can improve outcomes for software development as well.

Gawande doesn’t rely just on anecdotes. He cites reputable sources like the World Health Organization and research studies showing the effectiveness of checklists in multiple settings. His dual expertise as a surgeon and public health researcher adds weight to his message. He understands the challenges of overcoming human error and the potential of checklists to address them. This combination of experience and authority strengthens his argument.

The book focuses on a practical framework solution – checklists – rather than simply discussing problems. Its mix of personal narratives, research findings, and case studies makes it an engaging and relatable read. That’s a clear advantage over more academic texts.

The book uses an analogy between modern surgery and complex engineering projects. It dismantles the “superstar surgeon” myth, showcasing the teamwork between surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and technicians. This teamwork requires constant communication and information sharing – a far cry from the lone-wolf coding hero stereotype.

Such team-oriented thinking can apply to software development. Software projects these days are rarely linear trips taken by isolated individuals. They resemble complex ecosystems that need expertise from various specialists – frontend developers, backend engineers, security experts, and more. Effective communication, information management, and shared ownership are needed for success, mirroring the dynamics of a successful surgical team.

To extend the book’s logic, engineering leaders can create a thriving cooperative environment by embracing checklist. There’s three threads of parallel comparison between surgery and software engineering. First, complex projects in both generate vast amounts of data, qualitative and quantitative. Clear communication structures, documentation, and knowledge management systems are absolutely needed to organize and collate them. Second, silos between teams hinder progress. It is up to senior leaders to promote teamwork, break down communication barriers and encourage cross-functional work. Third, leaders must cultivate a culture of shared ownership. The lone genius stereotype is one of the past. Success rarely depends on a single person’s brilliance. Team members must feel confident to contribute ideas, and share knowledge, and have joint responsibility for project’s success.

With all that said, “The Checklist Manifesto” has some limitations too. The focus on checklists can feel overly simplistic at times. Gawande acknowledges this, emphasizing that successful implementation requires team dynamics conducive to adopting new practices. He doesn’t explore too deeply into potential downsides like over-reliance or bureaucratization, however.

Despite the simplicity, the book is worth reading. Checklists can help our teams reduce errors, improve communication, improve productivity, and make knowledge transfer better. They really are powerful tools to solve a certain class of problems. Such problems get harder as projects get complex and large. They are not magic bullets, nothing really is. They are meant to be implemented thoughtfully, with consideration of team needs and specific context.

I highly recommend “The Checklist Manifesto” to everyone working in the software industry. It offers well-researched lessons and is a practical tool applicable to multiple aspects of your team’s work. By using checklists and promoting a team-focused environment, we can empower our teams to build better, more reliable software.

Header image from book PR.