This interview with Bernard J. Tyson, chief executive of Kaiser Permanente, was conducted and condensed by Adam Bryant.
Q. What were some early leadership lessons for you?
A. I grew up in a large family, with two brothers and four sisters. My father was a carpenter and a minister, so I grew up in a very religious environment. Telling stories is a big part of my communication style.
The second thing is, I am a man of my word. My father set an example that your word is your bond, and that if you say something and commit to it, you deliver on it. And if you can’t deliver on it, you owe the person the respect to explain why. Commitments to me are very important, and it doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. It means that you live by your word.
Any expressions you heard often from your parents?
