Leave Your Rank at the Gate to Build Influence in the Civilian Sector

Published Jun 30, 2026, 11:44 PM EDT

You’ll need to focus on relationship building, credibility, visibility, and influence.

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Published Jun 30, 2026, 11:44 PM EDT

While in uniform, some things were clear: who you were, what you were responsible for, and what you’d sacrificed were all displayed on your chest, shoulders and collar. Your uniform and rank noted your seniority, achievements, and influence. Those around you quickly identified how they measured up, whether they should comply or direct, and how decisions would be made. Now, in the civilian sector, you notice a completely new set of rules for advancing an idea and are looking around for the rules of engagement. Taking off the uniform and stepping into your civilian career means rethinking how your ideas, vision, directives, and value get communicated. No longer will your positional authority command compliance. Now, you’ll need to focus on relationship building, credibility, visibility, and influence.