Watching my son experience Army Basic Training has been inspiring. The experience transformed him profoundly, and he and I had the opportunity to talk about some of the things the military does well to create alignment.
The military excels in fostering a unified culture and shared mission from the start.
Here are key takeaways I gleaned from my son’s adventure:
Repetition: Instructions and direction are reinforced constantly. For example, recruits repeatedly recite the Soldier’s Creed, ensuring everyone understands their identity, purpose, and shared values. It’s like the ultimate team mantra
Safe Application: Trainees demonstrate what they've learned in a safe environment and learn from their mistakes. I think we can all agree, it's best for new soldiers to learn grenade throwing in a controlled setting.
Guidance: Drill sergeants provide constant, sometimes loud, feedback, offering correction and encouragement. Their volume and sometimes colorful language get the trainees attention, for sure.
Recognition: Progress and success are acknowledged and celebrated. Units earn and display streamers on their unit’s flag, marking milestones. Who knew ribbons could still be so motivating?
Applying This to Your World
Repetition: Regularly emphasize mission, vision, values, and purpose, ensuring everyone understands their role in the big picture. It’s like creating muscle memory for the brain. Maybe even create a creed with your team!
Safe Application: Create low-stakes opportunities for your team to apply their skills and gain confidence. Think of it as professional dress rehearsal.
Guidance: Offer clear, constructive feedback to help individuals grow and perform their duties effectively. Maybe just don’t mimic the drill sergeant’s volume and vocabulary in your workplace. 😊
Recognition: Celebrate achievements and milestones to motivate and acknowledge progress. People do what is rewarded. Buy a bulk order of ribbons! 😊
I love it when we see these organizational development practices in action! It is rare to see a group transformed completely in 9 weeks, but it can be done! And since culture to strategy alignment is key to any organization’s success, we should keep it as a high priority.
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