Page 2 - The Leadership Line: November 2022

The Civilian Transition

Even though many veterans possess traits that are essential to a company’s success,
it’s important for teams to also understand the challenges veterans face in these new
environments. These may include adjusting to a different pace of life and work or
different communication styles and social interaction.

This issue of the Leadership Line is dedicated to recognizing the amazing talent at
MIL that chose to transition from military to civilian life as part of our workforce and
the ways we can ensure their success through our continued support.

Effectively Managing Veterans in the Workplace

Veterans enter civilian life with a broad range of expectations and experience, but it is safe to say that all veterans
look for and expect strong leadership. Here are some things you can do to effectively manage veteran team
members:
» Clarify expectations. Veterans were taught to always » Provide mentorship opportunities. Veterans were
focus on the mission. Don’t make assumptions. most likely paired up with a senior person while in
Ensure you give them a well-defined position the military. They will value a mentor relationship
description and lay out expectations and what success that allows them to receive oversight and guidance.
look like. Explain how their performance will be They also enjoy the camaraderie of working with
measured and what outcomes are expected. and learning from other team members.

» Provide a knowledge base. While serving, » Provide guidance on your leadership hierarchy. Who
veterans worked and lived according to standard to go to for what is very clear in the military and may
operating procedures. They are used to relying not be as clear in their new job. Take time to go over
on well-documented processes. If you don’t MIL’s hierarchy as well as the client’s if appropriate.
have well-documented procedures, it might be » Lead by Example. Veterans have high expectations
a great opportunity to ask them to improve the for their supervisors. Leaders in the military
documentation. They probably have a natural have received extensive training and mentoring.
strength to bring clarity and order to a process. Therefore, the bar is high for you. Veterans look for
» Provide autonomy. Don’t micromanage. Once your strong, decisive leaders who support and care for
team member knows what is needed and has the their team and who focus on a clearly defined goal.
tools to be successful, give them autonomy to work
through their tasks. Main ideas taken from U.S. Veterans Magazine:
12 Tips For Effectively Managing Veterans In The Workplace

Did you know?

Nearly half of all veterans leave their first post-military position

within a year. Over 65% leave within two years.

Read more: Veteran Job Retention Survey Summary