Critical Steps: Managing What Must Go Right in High-Risk Operations

Cover Page
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Acknowledgments
Authors
List of Figures
List of Tables
Introduction
	The Principal Goal of Managing Critical Steps
	Origins of the Critical Step Concept
	Who Benefits Using Critical Steps?
	Organization of the Book
	References
Chapter 1 What Is a Critical Step?
	Work = Risk
	Critical Step Defined
	Attributes of a Critical Step
	Technical Expertise—The Bedrock of Critical Steps and Risk-Based Thinking
	Critical Steps Improve Efficiency
	Excellence Is NOT Good Enough!
	Key Takeaways
	Checks for Understanding
	Things You Can Do Tomorrow
	References
Chapter 2 Thinking about Human Performance Risk
	Human Error = Loss of Control
	Human Performance Risk Concept
	Human Performance Risk Management Model
	Fast and Slow Thinking
	Expert Intuition
	Conversations Create Safety
	Key Takeaways
	Checks for Understanding
	Things You Can Do Tomorrow
	References
Chapter 3 The Work Execution Process
	The Three Phases of Work
	Preparation
	Execution
	Learning
	Key Takeaways
	Checks for Understanding
	Things You Can Do Tomorrow
	References
Chapter 4 Risk-Important Actions
	What Is a Risk-Important Action?
	Do You Need a Parachute to Skydive?
	RIA—A Double-Edged Sword
	RIAs versus Touchpoints and Critical Steps
	Examples of RIAs in Everyday Life
	Key Takeaways
	Checks for Understanding
	Things You Can Do Tomorrow
	References
Chapter 5 Performing a Critical Step
	Positive Control
	Effects of Fast and Slow Thinking on Positive Control
	Human Performance Tools Promote Positive Control
	Error Traps—Threats to Positive Control
	Landmines—Hidden Critical Steps
	Critical Steps Are ALWAYS Critical!
	Key Takeaways
	Checks for Understanding
	Things You Can Do Tomorrow
	References
Chapter 6 Managing Critical Steps
	Objectives of Managing Critical Steps
	A Critical Step Mental Model
	The Practices of Managing Critical Steps
	Summary—Plan | Do | Check | Adjust
	Augmenting Adaptive Capacity
	Managing Human Performance—Fundamentals
	Key Takeaways
	Checks for Understanding
	Things You Can Do Tomorrow
	References
Chapter 7 Critical Step Mapping
	What Is Critical Step Mapping?
	Maps and Their Limitations
	When Can CSM Be Used?
	Ten-Step Critical Step Mapping Process
	Advantages and Disadvantages of the CSM Process
	Key Takeaways
	Checks for Understanding
	Things You Can Do Tomorrow
	References
Chapter 8 Integrating and Implementing Critical Steps
	Integration versus Implementation
	Execution Requires Systems Thinking
	Attributes and Principles That Strengthen Integration
	A Four-Stage Approach to Executing a Critical Steps Initiative
	Guidance for Implementation
	Call to Action—The Business Case
	Key Takeaways
	Checks for Understanding
	Things You Can Do Tomorrow
	References
Epilogue People Have Dignity and Value
Appendix 1: Glossary of Terms
Appendix 2: Managing Human and Organizational Performance—A Primer
Appendix 3: Answer Key for “Checks for Understanding”
Index