Transitioning out of the military isn’t just a process, it’s a major life change. After many years of having lived and worked within the military, all veterans just leaving the military carry with them certain traits and approaches that have been ingrained in them by the military. Not all of these traits or approaches will help them in their new life as a civilian. Below are the 5 books that every veteran must read to make a successful transition.
1) Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
So here are the facts of life, not everybody who disagrees with you is your enemy. In fact, they might not even be disagreeing with you, they might just be approaching the solution from a completely different perspective. This book helps you achieve success in business and life without picking up your knife and going for the carotid during every argument.
2) Orbiting the Giant Hairball: A Corporate Fool’s Guide to Surviving with Grace
As a veteran you know what it’s like to work in a bureaucracy. You might even know what it’s like to be stymied and pulled into mediocrity. But now that you are transitioning out of the military, it’s time to slip the bounds of mediocrity and empower yourself to be creative while ensuring that you support the bottom line.
3 ) Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
The hardest part about transitioning is figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life. Understanding what motivates us is a key component of understanding what we will be happy doing once out of the military.
4) Art of War
People who have never been in war, say that business is war, but you and I know that it isn’t. However, the concepts and strategies used to defeat your enemies in war are applicable in business. Look, there is a reason why this book is still in existence and being read after having first being produced during the 2nd century BC. So just pick it up and read it.
5) How to Win Friends and Influence People
You know what character trait is most often associated with veterans? I’ll give you a hint, it’s not interpersonal people skills. Here’s a book that I still have on my desk and read passages from before I head into a meeting that I know is going to get heated.
If you had to add a book to this reading list which book would you add? Make sure to tell us in the comments section below and on our facebook page!
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