Why Military Veterans Make Great Leaders

Publish On : August 14, 2024

Veterans as business leaders

Whether you’re looking to hire employees, want to invest in a new business venture, or are seeking a values-based representative in the government, you can’t go wrong with our military Veterans.

Because of their training and life experiences, military Veterans make great leaders in both the public and private sectors. In fact, some of the most influential leaders in government have been Veterans.

They are also proven trailblazers in the world of business. Business leaders who are veterans possess a true entrepreneurial spirit.

Why Veterans Make Great Leaders

Military training instills strict discipline and a set of skills that lend themselves seamlessly to leadership roles in business and the government. As a result of this training, many Veterans possess the following:

1. Team Player Mentality

Being in the military means being part of a team. Veterans are well-versed in what it means to be a successful team member. They know how to communicate effectively, resolve conflict, and build trust. Such skills are crucial to the success of government and business leaders alike.

2. Ability to Motivate

Military Veterans must learn how to navigate high-pressure situations while keeping a cool head. They are trained to make decisions in these situations to effectively delegate tasks and resolve conflicts. These are desirable skills for anybody in government or business leadership.

3. Diversity of Thought

Because military Veterans come from all walks of life, they are exposed to a wealth of differing perspectives and ways of life. The ability to embrace these differences is crucial for cooperation in the government, as well as for businesses looking to innovate and grow.

4. Strong Work Ethic

Dedication, discipline, and motivation to succeed are credos of the military training and mindset. As such, military Veterans bring a strong sense of patriotism, honor, and duty to the workplace. These are among the many advantages of hiring military Veterans.

5. Critical Thinking Skills

Solving problems requires critical thinking. One of the benchmarks of military training is teaching Veterans to think outside the box. They learn how to work with limited resources to produce innovative solutions. This is why there are not only advantages to hiring Veterans, but to investing in Veteran-owned businesses.  

The Presence of Veteran-Owned Businesses

Veteran-owned businesses contribute a great deal to the country’s prosperity. These companies constitute a vital segment of the U.S. economic landscape. There are nearly 1.75 million veteran-owned businesses that employ over five million Americans. They collectively contribute $1 trillion in annual sales to the nation’s economy. 

The path to business ownership is often not an easy one. Many Veterans lack access to capital. Others have trouble finding good employees. Then there are those dealing with injuries from time served. Even so, Veterans won’t be deterred from pursuing their dreams of business ownership.

Carrying the ‘never say never’ attitude, they tap into their savings, borrow from financial institutions, or reach out to government funding sources to make their dream a reality. Because Veterans are forever resilient and resourceful. They’ll always find a way to succeed.

About Bob McDonald – a Seasoned Veteran Business and Government Leader

Military Veteran Bob McDonald is a shining example of how Veterans make great leaders. He served Procter & Gamble for 33 years; the last four as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure as CEO, Bob helped to expand the footprint of the company’s brands so that they added nearly one billion new customers to their global base.

Following his career at P&G, Bob was appointed by President Obama in 2014 to head the Department of Veterans Affairs. While at the helm of the VA, Bob played a pivotal role in transforming the agency into one that truly delivers better care for the nation’s Military veterans. 

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