Each military branch has its own identity, as does any multi-unit organization. Fraternities/sororities, service organizations, denominations, schools, teams, and even departments of a business have either implicit or explicit competition and pride.
The Air Force recently set that aside and invited four Marines to contribute to the Force’s professional development program. The Marines created a series of physical and leadership challenges designed to replicate the Marine Corps Fitness Test. The Corps has a far more demanding physical component than the Air Force, and the Fitness Test tested the Air Force’s physical and mental endurance.
I’m sure the Air Force could have utilized its own instructors to design a physical regimen, but having someone from another branch of the service added a new dimension to the training. I suspect that it drove some Air Force members to push themselves further so as not to appear weak in front of the Marines!
Consider inviting someone from a sister organization to contribute to some of your professional development. Understanding the similarities will help them make the training relevant, and bringing in someone from the outside can help your team compare and contrast with your consultant. There’s nothing like a visit from an external source to help internal pride kick in!
