The Military Veteran Staffing Difference

Although it’s most obviously observed in the sports world, the value of teamwork is also vital in the business world. Most of our jobs involve interacting with others that are not even in the same line of profession. The need for effective teamwork is critical for any business. When everyone works in support of a common goal, they: 

• Create a more valuable product
• Create leaner, more efficient processes
• Encourage collaboration and creative problem solving
• Cut across organizational lines
• Enhance a sense of achievement
• Promote camaraderie among employees
• Make the work more meaningful
• Provide a better, more fluid customer experience

An article in Forbes examined key findings in teamwork research. Successful teams had members with higher average goal-orientation and integrity, interest in new ideas, a sense of group identity, and preference for teamwork over individual pursuits. Furthermore, ideal team members are both humble and hungry – meaning that they can set aside their individual agendas to pursue a group goal. 

Veterans know exactly what it means to be committed to a mission that is greater than individual achievement. From day one, teamwork is ingrained in the military community, and though many veterans assume small unit leadership at young ages, they cannot lead until they have proven that they are able to follow the directions of others first. Additionally, this combination makes veterans ideal teammates because:

WHAT INDIVIDUAL QUALITIES DEFINE GREAT TEAM PLAYERS?

1. They’re reliable.The military hinges on mission accomplishment, and veterans can be counted on to get their jobs done.
2. They have good communication skills.Veterans are accustomed to speaking in groups, across all levels, and getting straight to the point.
3. They go above and beyond.Taking on additional duties is just another day at the office if you’re a veteran. 
4. They’re loyal.The oath they’ve taken to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States reflects the seriousness of their commitment.
5. They can pivot.Adaptability in the face of change is a must-have skill, especially in combat situations.

RECRUITERS SHARE HOW VETERANS EMBODY TEAMWORK

One veteran recruiter noted, “Leadership, accountability, self-motivation – that’s the military in a nutshell. We find that veterans tend to possess solid intuition, and their culture is grounded in mission accomplishment. They come up with solutions and focus on teamwork. The veterans we’ve hired also have a solid work ethic – that alone is worth a lot.”

Said another, “Discipline and loyalty are the two biggest reasons that make veterans so attractive to hire. Employers find value in hiring veterans because they know they will have hard working, disciplined team players who can learn new skills, are ethical, highly motivated, and have integrity.”

Discipline, adaptability, and leadership are the name of the game. “There hasn’t been a job I’ve had that didn’t require those three attributes,” said a U.S. Army veteran-turned-recruiter. “Your attrition rate shrinks when you hire veterans,” he went on. “If you are seeking a more disciplined culture for your company, you must go to where the discipline cultures exist and make that your pipeline. For us, that was the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Article provided by Bradley-Morris, MTI’s Official Military Veteran Staffing Company.  If you would like more information on hiring veteran’s, CLICK HERE.