Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Lists can save lives

I loved this book with all my heart.
























It was on my Christmas list, so Max bought it for me. It has been underlined and post-it noted to death.

I predict that I am going to refer to this book so often in real life that my friends and family will tell me to marry it already.

Checklists are the bomb. Not because you get to check off a To Do item, but because when multiple people are all working on the same project and have one central check list - something magical happens:

The ultimate goal is not the ticked off boxes - but rather embracing a culture of teamwork and disciple ....






















When Atul, the author, wrote about implementing a checklist in his operating room, (with the first item requiring that everyone introduce themselves and mention any potential difficulties that could arise) I was swept up in his account of all the things that went wrong.

And when I read the part underlined in pink, I sighed, and cried. Just one tear, but still.




There is something beautiful and attractive about a group of professionals, working together as a team. 

I watched a 3 hour History of the Eagles documentary the other night, and I was overcome by the same emotions... watching 5 musicians each contribute their skills and talents towards making music together as a group - that's just sexy, I tell you. 

To have the confidence that you can contribute, that you must contribute, or the sound will be less rich and full. And to have the confidence that your band members have got your back. That they are bringing their professionalism, their talents, their voices to the table... for the same reasons. That the end result is way better, if they are part of the team. 

I am in awe of people groups/teams/orchestras/bands/construction crews/acting ensembles/husbands and wives - who can pull that off. The freedom to do what they do best, knowing that someone else is doing what they do best. And everyone in the organization/audience/family is better as a result. 


Back to the book:

The first medical checklist was tested in just a few hospitals and pertained only to the procedure of putting in central lines to patients in ICU. The list had 8 items on it, and all were steps that normally are done as a matter of course, regardless.

However, with the checklist in place, all 8 things were now DEFINITELY done with each procedure for three months. (Prior to this, one or two steps may have been missed due to lack of time, unexpected emergency, missing equipment, error in judgement.) The results after 3 months of making sure every step on the checklist was completed:






Haha. "All because of a stupid little checklist."


I highly recommend this book if you, like me, love lists. 



Three things I'm thankful for:

1. Books. People who write them. People who edit and publish them. People who sell them.

2. People who share stories. I can't say enough good things about Humans Of New York. I love that website/Facebook page/Twitter account/Instagram ... Brandon's latest series tells the stories of a number of inmates in New York prisons. It has caused me to feel feelings. Strong ones. About men. And about addictions. 

Another photographer who is sharing stories is Brent of The Hidden South. These stories? Will slay you. Again. Addiction is a terrible thing. So are men (family members; a dad, a cousin, a brother, an uncle...) who rape women. My heart is sick and I ache for these people. Such a mess. Oh. Such a mess. 

3. I am thankful that there is still hope. 

Shalom friends. 
If you click on those links, say a prayer for those who've had the courage to share their journeys with us. 

xo






3 comments:

Kim N. said...

I am defs going to read that book! Also where did you see the Eagles doc?

Kim

Jane said...

Netflix. THe History of the Eagles, part 1 and 2. I watched them back to back. Was like viewing the sountrack of my life.

September said...

All because of a stupid little checklist! Lol!
I have also been challenged by Brandon's stories and photos on inmates. My coworker and I were discussing drugs. He has tried every one of them and I was aghast. Best case scenario is that you DON'T LIKE THEM! Worst case scenario is...awful. Addiction is sad, but so it what's beneath it. I was particularly struck by how much poverty played into crime. I have made bad choices for a variety of reasons, but poverty has not been one of them. I can't imagine. And when I consider the repercussions of my bad choices, none involve jail time. What different lives we lead.