Short answer: A checklist works when it’s short, ordered the way the work is done, focused on steps people actually skip, and attached to a task someone owns.
Rules for good checklists
Five to fifteen items.
In the order the work happens.
Only steps that matter or get forgotten.
Clear, short wording.
A photo or sign-off at the end.
Make it part of the work
Attach the checklist to a recurring task, so it appears automatically and someone owns it.
Keep it alive
Review it when mistakes happen. Add what was missed, remove what’s never used.
Frequently asked questions
Paper or digital?
Digital, if you want to know it was done without walking over to check.
Try it with your team
Turn one routine into a short checklist this week. Please Do It is free for 30 days, with no credit card required.