How Veterans Can Serve Your Business
Even if you did not serve in the military, all of us must show our veterans appreciation for their dedication to serving our country. So, now that we honored our military earlier this month, on Veterans' Day, it's a good time to take a step back and think how we can give back to them. So open your hearts, minds and job openings to veterans and their considerable skills and training. Do your part and honor these men and women by taking action and making a difference. Here are my top five reasons to consider hiring a veteran:
They're highly trained. Veterans go through intensive and extensive training, are used to working in a system, and are focused on the job at hand. Today's military not only excels on the battlefield, but uses cutting-edge IT, computer, and communications technology. Service members must stay abreast of emerging technologies and are often exposed to or trained on technology not yet released to the public.
They know process. Veterans operate in a very systematic environment. Responsibility and teamwork are the cornerstones of each step. Veterans understand the importance of genuine teamwork and how it grows out of a responsibility to one's colleagues, sometimes under extremely stressful conditions. Military duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity. They also necessitate a perspective of how groups of all sizes relate to each other and work together to achieve an overarching objective.
They're accountable. Service members know how policies and procedures enable an organization to succeed, and they easily understand their place within an organizational framework. They understand the responsibility that comes with being accountable for their actions and the actions of subordinates. And veterans understand how to properly elevate issues through the appropriate supervisory channels of command.
They know leadership — from both sides. Veterans learn leadership qualities by working in a highly team-oriented and hierarchical environment. As they progress and reach various milestones, they're recognized and promoted. This means they know how to take orders — and when to give them. They also know how to persevere. Failure is not an option.
Their patriotism underscores their integrity. Veterans serve their country, and have an immense amount of integrity. They have sacrificed, been away from home for extended periods of time — often in dangerous situations and for little compensation. They're just looking for a chance when they come home.
Ken Picard is a business coach
and independent owner at The Entrepreneur's Source of New England, and serves on a committee that helps veterans become entrepreneurs.
Contact him at 978-562-8930
or at kpicard@esourcecoach.com.
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