We have officially entered a new normal in the way we communicate, do business, and build relationships. In the weeks ahead we will focus on finding solutions to adapt, rebuild our communities and implement procedures to be crisis ready.
As we all face COVID-19 together, here’s what you can do to help:
Silver lining:
Whether you know it or not, there are likely military veterans within your organization. This is the perfect time to stretch every resource available and lean on them for input. Some of the strongest skills needed at this time are taught during military service such as:
Contingency Planning
There is no such thing as “winging it” when it comes to the military. Strategy sessions are the foundation of every mission, but they’re never without a contingency plan. The same goes for the corporate sector, which creates plans to stretch resources, identify target dates and calculate the return on investment. Having the ability to recognize when something isn’t working, staying calm when a project needs to pivot and providing a new direction quickly and under pressure are sought after skills that veterans possess.
My advice: Invite the veterans on your team to a strategy session. Encourage open collaboration as you ask for candid feedback and pull from their military experience.
Problem Solving
Veterans may have experience with tactical challenges like terrain, weather and other unexpected obstacles. In many cases, these scenarios are out of someone’s control and still need solutions for the team. Veterans are trained to brainstorm and work together for the larger team’s success.
My advice: Encourage veteran employees to step up and provide feedback. This is the time we all lean in.
Teamwork
This word is used in the corporate sector for collaboration, huddle sessions or group discussion. Veterans understand “teamwork” as effectively working together to keep themselves and their brothers and sisters alive. Routine practice for real life scenarios is consistent and encourages us to grow our resolution skills. The benefit of having a veteran on your team is knowing they are looking out for the team and not themselves.
My advice: Consider how diverse segments may need different support. Work to connect with veterans and colleagues, being open and sensitive to all points of view.
Integrity
In a time of crisis, we turn to those relationships we can trust. Integrity is a fundamental ingredient in relationships with employees, strategic partners, customers and investors, and it can either build or destroy a company. This is the time to lean on those marching together to accomplish one goal.
My advice: Trust your veterans, work together, identify problems and execute solutions as a team.
I’m proud to stand with thousands of other veterans who are working hard to make a difference during this pandemic. If you’d like to learn more about how you can join us at AT&T, visit our careers site.
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