As the country honors the dedicated service of the U.S. armed forces this Veterans Day, it is worth noting many military personnel are currently transitioning into civilian life. These individuals are making this shift at an opportune moment. Traditionally an underutilized and frequently underestimated resource for business leaders, veterans bring a wealth of skills to the workplace and companies are increasingly recognizing the value brought by this diverse group. As a result, companies are reorienting their efforts toward attracting veteran talent, revising their hiring practices and reimagining the criteria for the ideal candidates to fill their vacant positions.
With world-class training in technology and various professions, as well as valuable interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, veterans can be some of the most exceptional team members companies can recruit. Organizations seeking to employ veterans should consider the following traits.
Discipline: The military is known for its rigorous structure and emphasis on discipline. Upon enlistment, recruits immediately begin learning to follow orders, maintaining a strict daily schedule and adhering to precise standards, from personal appearance to conduct. The military also enforces punctuality and accountability, teaching service members the importance of being where they need to be, when they need to be there. This standard is ingrained in veterans, making them reliable and consistent in their work.
Collaboration: While enlisted, veterans often worked in diverse teams with individuals from different backgrounds, who spoke different languages, practiced different religions and had varied skill sets. Their exposure to diversity allowed them to harness their team members’ strengths and promote collaborative problem-solving, which can be beneficial in the workplace, where teamwork and cross-functional problem-solving are common.
Leadership: Comprehensive leadership training is a key aspect of a serviceperson’s military career. They learn to motivate and guide their teams, establish goals and hone effective communication skills. They become adept at making decisions under pressure and taking initiative, which equips veterans with the leadership skills needed in today’s changing business landscape.
Decisiveness: Military service often places personnel in high-stress situations where quick and critical decisions must be made. Veterans know how to analyze complex scenarios, assess risks and make sound decisions quickly. This ability to make informed choices under pressure can be beneficial in industries where rapid decision-making is vital, such as emergency services, health care or project management.
Adaptability: While in service, veterans were required to adapt to rapidly changing and unpredictable situations. They were expected to think on their feet and pivot their strategies as circumstances evolve, which can be a highly coveted trait in a dynamic work environment where new challenges can arise.
Initiative: Taking initiative and being proactive are important traits every serviceperson learns in the military. They are encouraged to identify and address issues independently, whether it’s related to mission-critical tasks or personal development. This proactive mindset makes veterans valuable employees who are happy to take ownership, face challenges and drive projects forward.
Problem-Solving: Military training often includes structured problem-solving exercises. Service members are taught how to break down larger, complex issues into smaller, manageable parts and develop effective solutions. They are exposed to a variety of problem-solving scenarios, ranging from tactical situations to logistical challenges, which allows veterans to develop a systematic approach to tackling issues in the workplace.
