Transforming Kaiser Permanente into a high-performing organization that puts the patient and member at the heart of everything it does requires that unit-based teams' sponsors – managers, physician leaders and stewards and other union leaders – learn to mentor, coach, advocate and reinforce the success of their teams.

Sponsors who create an environment of continuous improvement and actively sustain high-performing, innovative teams:

• Articulate the "Case for Change" to help UBT members understand the issues facing Kaiser Permanente and their role in improving organizational performance; 
• Engage frontline employees in redesigning work processes;  
• Hold their own leaders and each other accountable for jointly determined performance outcomes; 
• Model working in partnership through open collaboration with medical group, union and management partners – while staying true to the core expectations of his or her own role; 
• Understand and promote the use of the Rapid Improvement Model (RIM) as a means to improve the performance of the entire system.

When you need help from your sponsor

The Seeking Help From Your Sponsor tool provides unit-based team leaders with guidelines to help them understand when it is appropriate and important to seek help from their team's sponsors.