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.
Resiliency: The military can expose individuals to high-stress situations and adversity. The resilience veterans develop helps them keep their composure and stay focused when facing challenging problems in the civilian workforce. They can be less discouraged by setbacks and more inclined to persist in finding solutions.
Cultural Sensitivity: Service members are often placed in diverse and multicultural environments, whether it is within the U.S. armed forces or on international deployments. The exposure to various cultures and backgrounds often fosters cultural sensitivity and an understanding of different perspectives. Veterans tend to be more aware of cultural nuances, which can be critical when collaborating with colleagues, clients and partners from different walks of life.
Commitment: Veterans are trained to set and pursue goals, and they often bring this goal-oriented mindset into their civilian careers. They are dedicated to achieving both personal and organizational objectives, which makes them valuable assets to any team or organization.
Hiring veterans not only benefits the person, but it also enhances organizations by infusing them with a diverse workforce comprised of hardworking employees with varied skill sets, perspectives and experiences. However, to leverage the full potential of veteran team members, it is essential to create a welcoming and inclusive work environment that supports veterans as they transition into civilian careers. By doing so, organizations can build stronger teams, foster innovation and contribute to a culture of respect.
Carlos Lamogliachinchilla is a supervisor of corporate talent acquisition with Insperity, a leading provider of human resources offering the most comprehensive suite of scalable HR solutions available in the marketplace.
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