The leadership skills veterans bring to an organization are priceless.
Veterans possess remarkable qualities that may go unnoticed to the untrained eye. Within an organization, they bring a composed, thoughtful, and unflappable leadership style. I use the term "leader" because every veteran you meet had the chance to led throughout their careers, even if it spanned 4 years or 40. The reality is that they were in charge of their fireteam, squad, platoon, and beyond – responsible for the well-being and performance of their subordinates.
When I say they were "in charge," it's likely that most civilians don't fully grasp the extent of the responsibilities involved. Allow me to elaborate. From day one, a service member overseeing four or 400 people is accountable for everything: personal, professional, and technical competence of their subordinates.
They ensure they are paid correctly and on time , if it's wrong, they go down and assist them personally. If they have a family, they help their families enroll in healthcare. When it comes to their job, they engage in one-on-one training sessions, guide them through every aspect of the technical aspects, make on-the-spot corrections, retrain them, and hold them accountable.
The transition from being led to becoming a leader is a crucial phase. We lead by example, taking seriously the duty to nurture not only the person but also their technical proficiency. When a team member falls behind, the supervisor doesn't immediately question the individual; instead, they approach higher-ranking leaders to understand the bigger picture. We examine our own leadership, asking what WE could have done differently and how WE can support our team members in becoming the best version of themselves, not the other way around.
For hiring managers, CEOs, and recruiters reviewing a veteran's resume today, consider this: the most important aspects of these leaders may not be explicitly written on paper. Leadership is fundamentally a people-centric business, and military leaders of all ranks are exceptionally qualified to care for your organization's most precious asset. Look beyond the resume, as the intangible qualities they bring could be precisely what your company needs for effective leadership and success.
