logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2024
33m 39s

317: Why Attributes Matter More Than Ski...

MAMIE KANFER STEWART
About this episode

Focus on attributes, not skills.


So often, we are easily impressed by what we see on resumes or how someone performed during their last big project. But here’s the truth: skills are just one piece of the puzzle.


If we focus too much on skills, we risk overlooking one of the most important drivers of human performance–attributes.


Attributes play a key role not only in our daily tasks but also in navigating stress, challenges, and uncertainty when plans go awry. 


So, how can you leverage these attributes to improve your own or your team’s performance? Fortunately, today’s guest will help us unpack all there is to know about attributes.


Meet Rich Diviney. Rich is a bestselling author, leadership and human performance expert, and retired Navy SEAL commander. As the officer in charge of training for the elite SEAL Teams, Rich was intimately involved in the highly specialized selection process, which pared down a group of already exceptional candidates to a small cadre of the most elite optimal performers. During this work, he gained insight and passion for writing about the innate qualities we all possess, resulting in his first book, “The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers to Optimal Performance.” which is what we discuss today.


In this episode, Rich explains the differences between attributes and skills, the types of attributes essential to optimal performance, and tips on how you or your team can improve them.


Plus, in the extended episode available to Podcast+ members, Rich reveals the attributes best suited for managerial roles and shares some tips on designing an interview process to assess a candidate’s attributes.


Join the conversation now!


Get FREE mini-episode guides with the big idea from the week’s episode delivered to your inbox when you subscribe to my weekly email.

Conversation Topics

  • (00:00) Intro
  • (01:58) What are attributes and how are they different from skills?
  • (06:02) How to assess an individual’s attributes
  • (10:05) An example of why determining someone’s real attributes is important
  • (12:29) The different types of attributes
  • (17:52) Balancing attributes for peak team performance
  • (21:14) Three components to improving an attribute
  • (23:56) How managers can help their team members improve an attribute
  • (27:35) A great manager Rich has worked for
  • (29:52) Keep up with Rich
  • (30:47) Final thoughts
  • (31:47) [Extended Episode Only] Attributes that are best suited for managerial roles
  • (36:36) [Extended Episode Only] Using attributes for effective leadership succession planning
  • (38:19) [Extended Episode Only] How to design an interview process to assess a candidate’s attributes


Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by Joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

- Follow me on Instagram here 

- Visit my website for more here

- Build your team’s skills here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here


Keep up with Rich Diviney


- Follow Rich on Instagram here

- Grab a copy of Rich’s book here

- Take The Attributes Assessment here


15% off The Attributes Assessment


Rich is providing members of Podcast+ 15% off The Attributes Assessment. This digital tool unlocks a deeper understanding of your individual strengths by delving into your 41 Attributes levels and giving you invaluable insights into your top 5 (strengths) and bottom 5 (areas for potential development).


To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

---------------------


The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.


Follow The Modern Manager on your favorite podcast platform so you won’t miss an episode!


Up next
Today
372: Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More Than Ever with Jamelle Lindo
What if the most important management skill you need today isn’t a tool or strategy? But the ability to read and respond to the people around you? In a world shaped by AI and constant disruption, emotional intelligence has become the competitive edge for leaders and managers.Than ... Show More
28m 51s
Aug 19
371: Rewire Your Brain for Leadership Success with Larry Olsen
What if understanding how your brain actually works was the key to unlocking higher performance, better decisions, and more resilient leadership? Many leaders focus on strategies and skills without realizing that lasting change starts by rewiring how we think.Fortunately, this we ... Show More
30m 22s
Aug 12
370: Improv Techniques That Instantly Boost Your Communication Skills with Jeff Mondoro
Do you wait for the perfect moment to speak up, only to have the conversation move on without you?What if the secret to becoming a confident, impactful communicator wasn’t planning every word, but learning to improvise?This week’s guest reveals how improvisation isn’t just for th ... Show More
30m 37s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
1006: A Navy SEAL Shares the Hidden Attributes Enabling Optimal Performance with Rich Diviney
Rich Diviney reveals the hidden drivers of optimal performance: attributes.  — YOU’LL LEARN — 1) The crucial difference between skills and attributes 2) When your “weaknesses” are “strengths” 3) A neuroscience hack for focus and overcoming stress  Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYour ... Show More
37m 11s
Dec 2024
How to Get Rich Without Getting Lucky
In the pursuit of wealth and success, it is easy to become engrossed in conventional wisdom and the pressure to comply with industry standards. True success, on the other hand, is frequently characterized by your ability to stand out rather than fit in. Long-term success is based ... Show More
55m 21s
Jul 2024
17 years at PayPal working in 10 different roles with Prashanthi Ravanavarapu | Product Executive at PayPal | E229
In this episode of the Product Podcast with Prashanthi Ravanavarapu, Product Executive at PayPal, we unlock the secrets to becoming a transformative product leader. Our guest takes us on her journey from the data team to leading customer experience initiatives at PayPal, showcasi ... Show More
37m 5s
Nov 2024
609: Eric Jorgenson (CEO of Scribe) - The Obsessive Genius, Flawless Fundamentals, Building Mountains of Leverage, The Power of Writing, All Things Naval, & Manifesting Your Dream Job
Go to www.LearningLeader.com for the full show notes of The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk. Eric Jorgenson is the CEO of Scribe Media, the largest Professional Publisher. He’s also the author of The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness and The Antholog ... Show More
1h 3m
Dec 2024
Proven Strategies for Building an Audiology Team That Excels in Patient Care | Liz Wiseman
Leaders, including those in audiology, often overburden or underutilize their teams. This can lead to burnout, poor performance, and stagnation. Liz Wiseman, who became a leader at just 24 in a rapidly growing company, faced leadership challenges early in her career. Through obse ... Show More
43m 8s
Sep 2024
The Six Types of Working Genius with Patrick Lencioni
On this episode of the Marketing Secrets podcast, I had the honor of interviewing someone whose work has shaped how I lead my team and build my business—Patrick Lencioni. Patrick is the author of "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" and a pioneer in leadership and organizational hea ... Show More
1h 5m
May 2024
169: The 4 Keys to Selling Your Ideas to Upper Management
Have you ever felt frustrated when your brilliant ideas at work weren't taken seriously?   Listen now and discover the secrets to making your ideas impossible to ignore!   > Full Show Notes, Resources, & More   ============================   When you’re ready, here are three ways ... Show More
27m 29s
Sep 2024
601: Matt Mullenweg (CEO of Automattic) - Defining Your Creed, Hiring Talented Leaders, & Leading in a Remote World
The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk Full show notes at www.LearningLeader.com Text Hawk to 66866 to become part of The Learning Leader Community This is Episode #601 with the CEO of Automattic, Matt Mullenweg Notes: What is your creed? I will never stop learning. I won’t just ... Show More
50m 19s
Aug 11
Episode 534: Unleash Your Leadership Potential (Premium Preview)
Premium This is a preview of our premium episode. Full access is available only to premium subscribers. Click here and learn about the Premium Podcast to access this interview and transcript... Play audio-only preview episode | Play video preview episode | Play on YouTube | Play ... Show More
8m 40s