The Reality of Corporate Culture
While military structures are explicit, corporate hierarchies often operate through both formal and informal channels. Recent Forces in Mind Trust research highlights how understanding these dynamics significantly impacts career progression.
Emma: “In my current role, I’ve learned that corporate influence isn’t just about position. It’s about understanding the unwritten rules – knowing when to push forward and when to build consensus. Sometimes the person with the most influence isn’t the most senior.”
Reading the Room
The transition from military to civilian workplace culture requires developing new situational awareness skills. This includes:
Tom: “Each organisation has its own rhythm. In energy, decisions happen quickly through established channels. Consulting taught me that sometimes the real decisions happen before the formal meeting. Understanding these patterns makes a huge difference.”
Building Strategic Networks
With only 44.5% of veterans feeling they’ve found the right role, understanding how to build effective networks becomes crucial.
Emma: “Success in corporate environments often comes down to relationships. Not just with your immediate team, but across departments and levels. I’ve found that military experience gives us a unique ability to build trust quickly – it’s about applying that skill in a different context.”
Looking Forward
The data shows that veterans who successfully navigate corporate culture progress significantly faster than those who don’t. Understanding these unwritten rules isn’t just about survival – it’s about thriving in your new environment.
For guidance on your transition journey, contact:
Tel: +44 (0)2089457705 Email: [email protected]
Sources:
- Forces in Mind Trust Research (2024)
- CIPD Leadership Development Framework
- Office for Veterans’ Affairs Statistics
- Energy Sector Employment Report 2024
Note: All statistics verified as of March 2025. Names have been changed to protect privacy while representing authentic veteran experiences.