In your opinion, what are some of the positive traits of leaders from the Armed Forces who you've seen enter business, and what challenges do they face?
Positives first, because they're so plentiful, and one of us (Jack) has seen them so consistently in hiring several thousand junior military officers (JMOs) over the years. The list starts with whip-smart and tenacious. Next, most military officers have can-do, upbeat attitudes. Moreover, the majority possess the too rare quality of edge: They can make yes-or-no decisions on the spot. Their people skills are superb; they tend to be great motivators and team-builders. And finally—global companies, take note, JMOs will move anywhere. Your toughest location might be better than the best outpost they've endured.
The challenges: Too many JMOs can't seem to get the military's necessary bureaucracy out of their systems, and as a result, they tend to embrace rules and regulations that can slow them down. Second and last, some officers can lack visionary thinking. They may have risked their lives in the military, but some JMOs seem less inclined to take risks in business.
On balance, though, there is no balance. The positives win this debate hands down.
This question and answer originally appeared in Business Week magazine on June 19, 2008.
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