Wisdom and Veterans: Enhancing the Workforce with Self-Insight, Experience, and Sound Judgement

Abstract

Military veterans bring many unique and desirable traits to the workforce, including self-insight, experience, and sound judgment. Through their service in the American military branches, veterans have experience in heightened leadership roles in high stress and high stakes environments that shape their personalities, leadership skills, and behaviours. Because of this experience, veterans often demonstrate wisdom as they apply self-awareness and judgment through different ranks and roles in their service to the country. Hiring these experienced and seasoned workers to the benefit of businesses can be part of the solution in addressing the current labour shortage. Research is warranted in seeking to understand why veterans experience difficulties in their transition from the military into their business careers in higher numbers compared to the general population. The misinformation and misconceptions about hiring veterans are depriving businesses of a talented and unique population that can bring more wisdom to their workforce.