Succeed in Medicine How Overwhelmed Doctors Transform into Masters of Uncertainty | Ep486
How can Navy SEAL training principles transform medical practice amid rising uncertainty?
In this special guest-hosted episode of Succeed in Medicine, John Schneider interviews Rich Diviney, as he recounts developing The Attributes during his time leading selection for SEAL Team Six, distinguishing between teachable skills and innate qualities that underpin performance under stress. Listeners learn about the 41 attributes assessment available at theattributes.com, which reveals personal "dimmer switch" settings to enhance self-awareness without judgment. The discussion bridges military and medical worlds, exploring how ER physicians and SEALs share traits like compartmentalization, while roles like general practitioners demand higher empathy.
Transitioning to Masters of Uncertainty, Rich delves into identity's role in performance, advocating "I am" statements tied to attributes for resilience during career shifts. He introduces the "Moving Horizons" tool to generate personal certainty by chunking challenges, drawing from SEAL Hell Week and Apollo missions to show how it dissipates fear through neuroplasticity. The episode culminates in dynamic subordination—a fluid leadership model where teams adapt like an amoeba, empowering all members in uncertain environments, with parallels to surgical teams. Essential listening for physicians navigating change, burnout, and team dynamics.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
- Assess Your Attributes – Visit theattributes.com to take the free assessment and identify your unique strengths and blind spots. Use this self-awareness to match roles that align with your innate qualities, enhancing performance in high-stress medical settings.
- Practice Moving Horizons – In moments of uncertainty, ask: What do I know? What can I control? Choose a short, achievable horizon (e.g., next 10 breaths or task) to generate dopamine and focus, building resilience through daily practice like workouts.
- Foster Dynamic Subordination – Lead by behavior, not title: Create environments where the most competent person steps up, and others support. In teams, use first names and empower voices to optimize decision-making in fluid, high-stakes scenarios like surgery or emergencies.
About the Show:
Succeed In Medicine covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!
About the Guest Hosts:
· John Schneider – An academic neurosurgeon and physician coach, guest hosts the Succeed in Medicine podcast, interviewing former Navy SEAL Rich Diviney. He trains residents, values self-discovery through assessments, and champions dynamic subordination in teams. Fascinated by human behavior, Schneider initially aimed to be an economist before pursuing medicine.
Rich Diviney – A retired Navy SEAL Commander with over 20 years of service and 13 deployments, authored The Attributes and Masters of Uncertainty. As a performance consultant, he advises high-performing teams, using his SEAL Team Six experience to develop assessments and strategies for mastering uncertainty and enhancing self-awareness
Connect with Rich Diviney:
Website: https://theattributes.com
Email: rich@theattributes.com
This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!
Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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