3.) Chain of Command
The military operates with an extremely clear hierarchy. Everyone knows exactly the rank of everyone around them, because it’s literally displayed on our uniforms! Having this clear-cut chain of command may be frustrating at times, when there’s an “obstacle” in your way and you want to discuss something with the higher-ups. But at least you know exactly who’s who, and you know your place in the food chain, no matter where you go.
In the civilian world, not so much. The food chain still exists, but it takes longer to figure out and sometimes it’s more complex than it appears. In the military, personnel shift around constantly, but in civilian jobs many employees have been in the same positions for decades and have amassed a certain level of influence beyond the scope of their actual job. This can be tough to figure out who to go to when you need to deal with an issue without stepping on toes.
How to cope: Like it or not, you’ll have to adapt to the new environment. If there’s an organizational chart for your civilian place of employment, get a copy and study it. Put names to faces, read the bios and backgrounds of management, and do your homework! Talk to your coworkers and ask questions if you don’t know who everybody is and what their role is in the organization.
