The division of professional labor in modern society is becoming increasingly refined, and the amount of knowledge far exceeds the individual's memory ability, resulting in an increase in error rate.

Key contradiction: Human beings are not omniscient and omnipotent, but they often make mistakes due to excessive self-confidence or negligence.

Ignorance Error: Errors caused by insufficient knowledge can be forgiven.

Incompetence Error: Errors caused by failure to correctly apply existing knowledge need to be systematically resolved.

The list is not a rigid rule, but a "cognitive protection net" that helps professionals avoid low-level mistakes in complex tasks.

Disassemble complex tasks into key steps to ensure that basic operations are not missed (such as disinfection before surgical procedures and instrument inventory).

Reduce your dependence on memory through lists and allow your brain to focus on higher-order judgments and decisions.

The list clarifies the division of roles and strengthens communication discipline (such as the "cross confirmation" mechanism of the aviation cockpit).

The list items are controlled at 5-9 items, focusing on "key steps" rather than covering everything.

Set up a list at key nodes of the mission (such as before the operation begins, before the aircraft takes off, before the building capping).

Use clear verbs (such as "confirm", "check", "close") to avoid vague expressions.

Continue to optimize the list based on practical feedback to avoid rigidity.

The list must be consistent with the physical characteristics of the use scenario (such as waterproof, portable, and easy to read).

Allow team members to challenge authority within the checklist framework to ensure the bottom line of safety (such as nurses remind the surgeon to miss steps).

Used for simple but error-prone tasks, perform first and then check (such as checking the instrument before taking off).

Used for complex processes, performed item by item and checked (such as pre-surgery instrument inventory).

Promote team information synchronization (such as discussions on key issues in daily shift handover in intensive care units).

World Health Organization (WHO) Surgical Safety List: After global promotion, postoperative complications decreased by 36% and mortality rate decreased by 47%.

Johns Hopkins Hospital ICU List: Central IV catheter infection rate dropped from 11% to 0.

After the test flight of the Boeing B-17 bomber failed, it introduced a flight list, becoming a key weapon in World War II.

During the Hudson River crash landing incident, Captain Sullenberg relied on the list to calmly deal with engine failures.

During skyscraper construction, the list is used for key node acceptance (such as concrete strength testing, steel structure welding inspection).

The list cannot replace professional judgment, and needs to be flexibly adjusted based on experience.

Professionals may resist the list, believing that they are degrading their abilities. Solution: Prove the value of the inventory through data and establish cultural identity.

The list needs to iterate with the development of technology (such as the list of drug taboos updated after the new drug is launched).

Travel packaging list, project management list, daily habit development list.

Crisis response list (such as public relations crisis handling process), meeting efficiency list (clear agenda and decision-making goals).

Disaster rescue list (such as priority of material allocation after earthquakes), and government policy implementation verification.

Make up for cognitive limitations through tools rather than pursuing the perfect expression of "superman".

The essence of the list is to build a culture of discipline and make excellence a replicable standard.

Use the lowest-cost tools to solve the most complex problems and avoid over-technicalization.

The future list may evolve into dynamic intelligent systems (such as the list of medical AI-assisted diagnostics), but humanized collaboration remains at the core.

The success of the list relies on flat communication and decentralization rather than mechanical execution.