---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: doing the same thing twice will not…"
description: "\"“doing the same thing twice will not predictably or necessarily lead to the same result. It is this characteristic that makes static checklists and bes..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f6/gene-kim-2268_twice_doing-the-same-thing-twice-will-not-pred_2883490.jpg"
---

#  doing the same thing twice will not predictably or…

![“doing the same thing twice will not predictably or necessarily lead to the same result. It is this characteristic that makes static checklists and best practices, while valuable, insufficient to prevent catastrophes from occurring. See” quote by Gene Kim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f6/gene-kim-2268_twice_doing-the-same-thing-twice-will-not-pred_2883490.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f6/gene-kim-2268_twice_doing-the-same-thing-twice-will-not-pred_2883490.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f6/gene-kim-2268_twice_doing-the-same-thing-twice-will-not-pred_2883490.jpg)

> ““doing the same thing twice will not predictably or necessarily lead to the same result. It is this characteristic that makes static checklists and best practices, while valuable, insufficient to prevent catastrophes from occurring. See””

[Gene Kim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-kim/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Static checklists can’t prevent catastrophes because repeated actions don’t guarantee same outcomes.

**In simple terms:** Checklists aren’t foolproof.

Key Takeaway

Adapt beyond static procedures.

Themes

risk management innovation process

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

technical philosophical

When to use this quote

- IT operations
- project management
- safety protocols

Key Concepts

systems thinking continuous improvement

Questions to Reflect On

- How can we balance checklists with adaptability?
- What alternatives improve safety?

A Different Perspective

Over‑reliance on checklists may stifle flexibility.

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> [“...the definition of crazy is doing something close to the same thing twice and expecting a different end.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cath-crowley/the-definition-of-crazy-is-doing-something-close-to-the-same-thing/)

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