What do veterans REALLY need for Veterans Day? Instead of a free appetizer or 10 percent off coupon, what if we start putting qualified veterans into leadership positions?

Why Veterans are Uniquely Qualified to Lead our Companies, Nonprofits, and Government Agencies
Military veterans and those who continue to serve in the National Guard and Reserves have the discipline, courage, and a willingness to do hard work. They've worked with million-dollar weapon systems. They've served overseas (and with individuals from across the diverse spectrum of American society), so they know about cross-cultural communication -- in real-world contexts. Perhaps the most obvious qualification is that veterans get things done.

Now, more than ever, we have a lot to get done in this country. So why aren't we putting more veterans in charge of teams, factories, initiatives -- the C-suite?

Why Aren't More Veterans Hired into Leadership Positions?
First, the knowledge and skillset it takes to run a military unit differs from what it takes to run a modern accounting department. For example, managers need to know how to deeply listen to their team members, use social influence and think strategically. These are not typically skills that troops learn in boot camp, but they are skills that we can teach.

Second, many employers have outdated stereotypes about veterans. Is this individual some version of a naive, incompetent "Dudley (or Donna) Do-Right"? Or are they a ticking time bomb of PTSD who can't be trusted?

Third, no one asks. More than half of employers say they want to focus on diversity, yet many ignore veterans as one of America's most diverse talent pools. A few outstanding examples of companies want to hire veterans, but most smaller companies and nonprofits don't think of veterans when they think of diversity.

Finally, veterans themselves aren't likely to volunteer for leadership roles. In the military, we're taught to follow orders. Initiative is only expected once you know the mission.

This Veterans Day, Let's Give Veterans a Mission
Having a mission is what most veterans do best, so let's give them what they want and provide them with the leadership skills and the mentorship they need to thrive in civilian management -- and then ASK them to step up.

This is what both veterans and our country and communities need most: a commitment from American small businesses, charities, and universities that they will invest in them for our collective future.

It's a tired phrase, but one that I think is particularly apt here: Veterans are the gift that keep on giving for Veterans Day.

So, if you're wondering what to give the veteran in your life, how to honor them, the best thing you can do is:

1. Offer them training, mentorship, and a path to increased role responsibilities, or
2. Encourage them to step into leadership roles in their life, whether that's at work or in their community (board positions and nonprofits count!).

This Veterans Day, let's step up and give them the leadership skills, mentorship, and leadership opportunities they deserve.

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