"The Attributes:” Leadership Lessons From Former Navy Seal, Rich Diviney

Believe me, you are not the only one who has believed that leadership is about a position. In today's episode my guest, Rich Diviney, states it is much more than that; leadership is about a set of attributes.

In this episode of Fifth Dimensional Leadership, we look back at Rich Diviney's definition of the "attributes" of leadership. He explains why it's not about your role, but how you do it in such a way that positively impacts your people. Developing that attribute requires a test of courage, perseverance and resilience that only a true leader takes on and faces.

Rich Diviney, author of The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance, and retired Navy SEAL commander with over 20+ years of experience. He has completed more than 13 overseas deployments, 11 of which were to Iraq and Afghanistan. As the officer in charge of training for a specialized command, Rich spearheaded the creation of a directorate that fused physical, mental, and emotional disciplines. He led a small team first-ever "Mind Gym" that helped special operators train their brains to perform faster, longer, and better in all environments — especially high-stress ones. 

Since his retirement in early 2017, Rich has worked as a speaker, facilitator, and consultant with the Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute and Simon Sinek Inc. He's taught about leadership and optimal performance to more than five thousand business, athletic, and military leaders from organizations such as American Airlines, Meijer Inc., the San Francisco 49ers, Pegasystems, Zoom, and Deloitte. Things you will also learn in this episode:

• How to determine whether a behavior is a skill or an attribute, and why it matters.
• The key differences between peak performance and optimal performance.
• Is grit the same as resilience?
• How companies are adapting hiring criteria to assess core attributes.
• The four levels of learning.
• Why narcissism isn’t entirely bad and can be a driver of optimal performance.

Quotes

“Leadership is a behavior. A leader is responsible for the development, growth, and success of the people in their charge.” - Rich Diviney

 

“We have to start looking beyond visible skills.” - Rich Diviney

 

“Leadership is a behavior, not a position.” - Rich Diviney

 

“Developing an attribute is a test of an individual’s self-motivation, self-direction, and willingness to throw themselves into discomfort and uncertainty.” - Rich Diviney

 

“Developing attributes is a self-directed evolution; no one can do it for you.” - Rich Diviney

 

“Optimal performance is about how you can do the very best you can at the moment, whatever the best might look like.” - Rich Diviney

 

“Hiring is a two-way street and allows the candidate to assess whether or not the company has the attributes and values they are looking for.” - Rich Diviney