Leading Inclusively—Utilizing KP’s Seven Inclusive Attributes to Build Trust and Increase Engagement and Team Productivity

Susan Terrill; Laura Long, MBA
https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/18-071-33
Abstracts from the Kaiser Permanente 2018 National Quality Conference
From Program Offices
Background: Piloted at the National Diversity and Inclusion 40th Anniversary Conference with a select cohort of executive participants (National Executive Team, Regional Presidents Groups, Executive Medical Directors, and their top direct reports), the Leading Inclusively workshop is fundamental to helping participants understand the critical role participants play in advancing Kaiser Permanente’s Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity goals. To continue our journey to become a leader in pursuit of health equity and inclusion for all, we must inspire our own employees with tools and skills to lead inclusively; to tap into the wisdom of our diverse workforce; to act on self-awareness, lessen bias, speak up, challenge the status quo; and adjust readily to cultural and work style differences.
Methods: We have an inclusive culture problem. By helping participants understand that each individual’s identity is an amalgamation of our shared experiences, we break down biases, build trust and connectivity, and minimize blind spots—all forceful levers of increased engagement, shifted mindset, and being agents for change.
Results: In our Leading Inclusively Executive Round Table pilot, we conducted a pre-self-assessment inclusion survey. The aggregate survey results were then distributed and discussed among participants and followed-up by individual assessment results. The findings were fascinating; for example, in every trait of the seven attributes assessed, there was a large disparity between one’s own perceptions and the perception made by one’s peers.
Discussion: Build engagement and excitement around inclusion. Create and practice tangible new habits of inclusive leadership with yourself and your teams. Build inclusive practices into your regular team meetings, and generate commitment and behavior change.
Abstracts from the Kaiser Permanente 2018 National Quality Conference