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Faculty physicians with the Internal Medicine Residency program at Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi gathered on Dec. 18, 2020, for a faculty development lunch and learn. Beth Carrington, Kata Master Learner and Lean Consultant, presented “Improvement Kata, Coaching Kata: Develop Scientific Thinking” to the group.

Carrington coaches organizations in the Kata method, which involves “a structured routine (movements/positions/behavior) intentionally practiced to become habitual.” On her website at katamatters.com, she explains, “We all have habits. Good and bad, our tendencies influence how we go about our lives. More importantly, our habits can be powerful tools to create and maintain change. If organizations harness the power of productive and efficient habits, there is no limit to their success.”

Kata practitioners focus on what cannot be seen, for example the behaviors of leaders and team members as they go about their daily routines. The goal is to use tools and techniques to eliminate any obstacles that may impede them from achieving their objectives. Leaders are encouraged to practice and learn first, then move on to be a coach, but still remain a perpetual learner. Learning to craft great challenges is also part of the Kata principles.

As part of building a new residency program, physicians involved in teaching future residents will play vital roles as leaders in promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Faculty development sessions are currently held each quarter at BMH-NM through June 2021. Beginning with the new Academic Year in July 2021, they will be held monthly.