WHAT’S NEXT Transition to Civilian Life By Eve Nasby & Kristin Hennessy
Your Transition Needs a Guide Eric Flynn spent 25 years in the Navy. Like most who transitioned out, he wasn’t entirely sure what he wanted to do next. His journey led him to Beacon Leadership, where he coaches people to achieve success in their next chapter of life. He’s proud to share his experiences and learnings to help those transitioning out reach their full potential. Be Aware of Your TENDENCIES First! A retired marine gunnery sergeant was hired by a manufacturing company to bring discipline to the team and increase their production. After 6 months in the role, he came to Eric Flynn with a problem. During his first performance evaluation, he learned that his highly directive style was offending people on his team. This deflating news came as a surprise. He wasn’t aware that this was how he was being perceived. After doing self assessments and coaching with Eric, he became more self aware of how his natural tendencies were proving a disservice in his job. He was taught to view his role from the perspective of others. Once he did that, he could understand what each person needed before he gave direction.
• Tendencies influence the actions you take. Those actions have consequences, and over time, those consequences shape your reality. • To improve your reality, start by knowing yourself and intentionally changing the actions you take. You never graduate from the school of self-awareness! Use your Halftime and Design your life After 20 years of service, a Naval aviator was certain that she wanted to become a civilian airline pilot upon transitioning out. Her Navy colleagues did that, so it made sense. She didn’t even consider other options. Upon working with a Beacon coach, she did some self-reflection on her time as an athlete at the Naval Academy - and remembered the importance of HALFTIME in a game. This is when you can reflect on what did and didn’t work in the first half, and create a plan for the second half. She realized this strategy worked for her career decision, too. She realized that what excited her most about the next state of life as a civilian was the opportunity to teach. And, was able to conclude that flying commercially wouldn’t be as energizing, plus it would take valuable time away from being with her family. Ultimately, teaching aeronautical engineering at a university gave her the energy and drive she craved, and positively the next generation of pilots. Key Takeaways:
This worked! The team felt VALUED, and actually came to welcome his input rather than fear it. Even better, the team increased productivity by 75% that year.
• Transitioning out of the military is YOUR halftime! Use it to pause and reflect on where you are and what you would like to do differently in the next chapter.
Key Takeaways: You have to know yourself to lead yourself, and lead others.
• Use the 70-30 rule! Consider your natural strengths and what energizes you – those activities should comprise at least 70% of your time. The remaining 30% should be activities that are challenging, tend to drain your energy, or require you to develop new skills.
• Your tendencies are a result of your nature, nurture, and choice. 38
WWW.HomelandMagazine.com / AUGUST 2022
