What veterans teach us about leadership

Throughout my life, I’ve been privileged to know many veterans who demonstrate integrity, patriotism, and selflessness. As I’ve previously written , my father was an officer in the U.S. Army, as well as a diplomat, and his career as a civil servant took our family throughout the Middle East. And over the course of my career, I’ve worked alongside veterans from all branches of the U.S. military – including four-star Army generals and Navy admirals.?

This Veterans Day, as we offer our respect to the 19 million U.S. service members who have bravely served, I’d like to share what I think we can learn about leadership from these courageous veterans.?

The power of resiliency?

Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.

―?George Washington, First President of the United States,?Commander in Chief of the Continental Army

Most of us don’t go about our daily lives preparing for imminent attacks or waiting for crises to strike. But many service members do just that as they work to ensure our national security. This means that veterans innately understand the importance of readiness and learning to recover from crises, challenges, or unexpected setbacks – just think about the phrase “soldiering on.”?

Throughout the pandemic, we’ve all had to practice resiliency, in navigating unprecedented situations and major disruptions. Some of us have experienced painful losses. Cultivating a sense of fortitude among your teams by leading with empathy will foster an even more resilient workforce.??

Stand united, or be divided

Today, what was once a band of brothers has truly become a band of brothers and sisters.

― General Ann E. Dunwoody, U.S. Army; first woman to achieve four-star rank

?I am also inspired by veterans’ willingness to stick together, even after their service together. Consider the numerous peer-support veterans’ organizations, from the Wounded Warrior Project to Veterans on Wall Street , where service members help one another through life’s phases.

There is much that our fractured nation can learn from focusing on the greater good of the community.? Take a “one team” approach and unify to meet challenges. As one example, our Veterans Network unites service members from U.S. and foreign militaries, as well as military spouses and others, to serve the greater veterans’ community as they transition to a post-military life. Encourage your teams to stand together and support each other, no matter the differences. True unity leads to better outcomes and a greater sense of belonging for all.

Trust must be earned

It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle.?

It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.?

– General?Norman Schwarzkopf, U.S. Army

Military leaders know that they cannot direct teams into dangerous situations without first earning their trust. They can do this by speaking frankly about the risks ahead and by exhibiting a willingness to fight alongside their people. Transparency and action make trust possible, especially on the front lines.?

I have applied this lesson in my own life. I’ve advised C-suite executives in “turnaround” roles and have personally taken on similar assignments. It can be very challenging to step into this position, knowing the hard work that’s ahead. But I have observed and experienced firsthand that the most effective leaders speak truthfully about what’s to come and serve “in the trenches” alongside their people.

Learning is a lifelong endeavor

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.

– Colin Powell, former U.S. General, Secretary of State, and National Security Advisor

Any great organization knows that it must nurture a willingness to learn among its people, especially when tackling new assignments. In my own career, I’ve shifted to different business units, worked in new-to-me sectors, and tackled unfamiliar challenges, reminding me that learning does not end at the classroom door.?

I am inspired by service members’ open-minded approach to learning and trying something new, including several of my EY colleagues: Chris Pontrelli , the US-East Consulting Managing Partner and an Aviator in the U.S. Navy; Delia Becca , the US-East Leader of Equitable Experiences and a Private in the U.S. Marine Corps; and Candice King , a Tax Partner and the spouse of a recently retired U.S. Coast Guard member. We should all aspire to have an eager approach to different roles, paths, and opportunities, especially in service of the greater good.

Veterans Day offers a moment in time for all Americans to acknowledge and pay respect to living service members for their brave legacy. This year, please reflect on what lessons you have learned from veterans and join me in expressing deep gratitude for their enduring service.

The views reflected in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organization or its member firms.