Your organization “GPS”: The Checklist

The Checklist is your organization “GPS” to a successfully completed task (event, project, etc.). It is an essential tool in a Manager's Toolbox. No endeavor is TOO small to benefit from its use.

A Checklist is simply a breakout of all the parts that make up the whole of the task, etc.

Each part is an item on the Checklist. Each item must have a responsible designee and the date due for its completion. Get in the habit of taking the time upfront to plan your "GPS" route before beginning a task, etc. As a manager, the Checklist will provide you easier follow up as well as minimizing the unexpected.

Example: A Checklist for a board meeting plan is presented below. ITEM RESPONSIBLE DESIGNEE DUE DATE 1. Meeting Content ......Establish main goal of meeting .... Establish agenda items ..... Establish time allocations per item ..... Identify needed materials for each agenda item ........ determine if print or digital;

........ determine if hand out or sent in advance ...... Financials ...... Committee reports ...... Program .......Guests .......Other 2. Notice of meeting ..... First notice sent with RSVP cutoff date to assure quorum ..... Reminder notice with agenda and any advanced materials 3. Logistics ..... Location ...... Room set up ......AV, if needed ..... Materials/handouts ..... Food