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The Modern Manager

317: Why Attributes Matter More Than Skills with Rich Diviney

Jul 30, 2024
Rich Diviney, a bestselling author and retired Navy SEAL commander, emphasizes the critical role of attributes over skills in achieving optimal performance. He discusses how resilience and adaptability are vital in high-pressure situations, highlighting their importance in effective teamwork. Rich shares insights on the nature of courage and how personal attributes can enhance team dynamics. He also outlines strategies for personal growth through focusing on developing attributes, offering practical steps for improvement in both individuals and teams.
33:39

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Focusing on inherent attributes, such as resilience and adaptability, is crucial for optimizing team performance beyond just skill evaluation.
  • Identifying and leveraging individual attributes allows managers to strategically align team roles, enhancing productivity and morale within the workplace.

Deep dives

Understanding Attributes vs. Skills

Attributes are inherent qualities that individuals possess, distinguishing them from learned skills. Unlike skills, which are visible and can be taught, attributes inform how individuals behave in challenging situations, such as adaptability, resilience, and patience. A vivid example illustrating this difference involves a Navy SEAL candidate who sunk to the bottom of a pool but successfully navigated it by walking across the bottom. His willingness to attempt the swim test highlighted his potential and inherent qualities, signifying that with the right training, he could develop the necessary skills to succeed.

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