While we strive for excellence in our professions, mistakes are a part of who we are. We err so we can learn. Creating a checklist focuses the mind on the most important characteristics of our tasks, which helps us to overcome our mistakes. It takes practice to produce and use checklists effectively, but when we do, the benefit us tremendously. Checklists help people communicate and work together better and help organizations to be better prepared for unexpected occurrences. The value of using checklists can benefit every profession, from surgery to flying an airplane, to building a skyscraper or drafting a