Emotional Intelligence and Communication Styles:

Understanding Veterans in Civilian Workplaces

Your True Direction

Bridging the Gap: How Veterans and Civilians Communicate Differently in the Workplace with Mutual Respect and Understanding.

Veterans often communicate differently from civilians due to their unique experiences, training, and operational environments. While this contrast can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, particularly in workplace settings, it does not mean that veterans lack emotional intelligence (EI). Instead, their communication style is shaped by the military’s structured culture, expectations, and demands.

Civilian workplaces often define EI as the ability to express emotions, interpret social cues, and navigate interpersonal relationships delicately. However, in the military, EI is often expressed through action, precision, and decisiveness, rather than verbal reassurance or emotional displays.

This article explores how veteran communication differs from civilian emotional intelligence norms and provides insights into why veterans actually possess high emotional intelligence, even if it manifests differently.

Veteran Communication vs. Civilian Emotional Intelligence Norms

1. Directness vs. Indirect Expression

• Military communication prioritizes clarity, efficiency, and directness. Orders must be understood quickly and executed…