Americans observed Veterans Day yesterday to honor and thank those who served in the military.
Veterans Day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is “largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.”
I never served in the military, but I am eternally grateful to those who did and do.
The term “veteran” has multiple meanings, including someone who has served in the military. But the term can also refer to someone who has a lot of experience in a particular field.
As the famous expression goes: There is no substitute for experience. Hence, having experienced teammates (i.e., veterans) on your team can be a blessing.
Veteran teammates provide insights that help their teams avoid pitfalls and costly missteps. They’re aware of what has and has not worked in the past. Their knowledge equips them to make more accurate decisions and navigate the challenges that accompany uncertainty.
In most cases, veteran teammates are assets to their teams. However, the wrong attitude can turn them into a detriment.
When experienced teammates become complacent or resistant to change, they put their teams at a disadvantage. A that’s-the-way-we’ve-always-done-it mindset prevents growth and can lead to apathy.
This attitude can also lead to factions on the team where frustrated newcomers feel unwelcomed, unheard, and unappreciated.
Veteran teammates can prevent factions from forming by keeping an open mind, being receptive to change, and willing to evolve. Rather than immediately squelching new ideas, they should use their knowledge to weigh the idea’s potential merits.
Experience coupled with knowledge and sound judgement equals wisdom—an entity valued on all teams.
I find it interesting that Veterans Day does not include an apostrophe but does include an “s” at the end of “veterans.” Most aren’t aware of this subtlety. The reason for there being no apostrophe is because Veterans Day is not a day that belongs to veterans, it’s a day for honoring ALL veterans.
If you’ve got the sort of veterans on your team whose experience, knowledge, and sound judgment render them able to embrace change without compromising their teams’ cultures, be sure to thank them for their service and acknowledge that their contributions are appreciated.
And underscore the fact that all teammates who have sacrificed and done their duty– not only the superstars– are worthy of praise.
As always…Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate.
