"The Attributes:” Leadership Lessons from former Navy SEAL, Rich Diviney

Today we are joined by yet another fascinating guest, Rich Diviney! Rich is a 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, he 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.    Recently, Rich wrote the book, The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance, which came out in January 2021. In it, he defines the core attributes that determine how resilient, perseverant, situationally aware, and conscientious we are. These attributes explain how we performed as individuals and as part of a team.   In our conversation together today, Rich explains what these attributes are, how understanding your own attributes (and those of the people around you) can create optimal performance in all areas of your life, the difference between peak performance and optimal performance, the key characteristics of a great leader, and the most important attributes to assess when hiring for leadership positions.   Key Takeaways: [:50] About today’s episode with Rich Diviney! [2:35] Rich defines what he means when he says ‘attributes’. [4:41] How and why Rich became interested in discerning what these core attributes are throughout his military career. [9:56] Rich expands on a sentiment from his book: “Leadership is a behavior. A leader is responsible for the development, growth, and success of the people in their charge.” [11:30] How to determine if a behavior is a skill or an attribute — and why that’s important. [12:39] The key differences between peak performance and optimal performance. [16:27] Is grit the same as resilience? [17:21] How companies are adapting their hiring criteria to understand and assess these core attributes. [22:55] The differences between competencies and attributes, and what Rich means by ‘unconsciously competent.’ [25:22] Rich elaborates on how important it is to evaluate someone’s domain expertise as well as their leadership competencies when considering having them take on a leadership role. [31:01] What is ‘unconscious competence?’ And the four levels of learning. [33:55] Why Rich sees authenticity as the single most-defining characteristic or attribute of a great leader. [37:38] What I see as the most important attribute when I’m assessing leaders: self-awareness. [38:00] Why narcissism isn’t entirely bad and can actually be a driver to optimal performance. [42:39] Key characteristics that are especially important now amongst leaders in this COVID era. [46:07] What Rich sees as the biggest impediments to companies not hiring underrepresented individuals into their organization. [50:01] What Rich wants to continue to learn and experience to enhance his mastery. [52:47] Thanking Rich Diviney for joining us in this episode and where to find him and his book online!   Mentioned in this Episode: Rich Diviney The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance, by Rich Diviney Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder, by Nassim Nicholas Taleb   About Fifth Dimensional Leadership & Ginny Clarke Fifth-Dimensional Leadership is a podcast about leadership — knowing yourself, speaking your truth, inspiring love, expanding your consciousness and activating your mastery. As an executive recruiter and career expert currently leading executive recruiting at a Fortune 20 tech company, Ginny Clarke is a passionate and authentic thought leader with a unique and deliberate perspective on work and life. She synthesizes aspects of her life as an African-American single mother who has successfully navigated corporate America for over 30 years. She has inspired, uplifted, and changed the lives of thousands and is intentional about bringing conscious awareness to people of all ages and stages.   Every other week, a new edition of Fifth-Dimensional Leadership will include fascinating guests, covering a variety of topics: power, personal branding, self-awareness, networking, fear, and career management   Stay Connected! To find more episodes or learn more, visit: GinnyClarke.com Connect with her on social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Youtube