028 | PRECISION AGGRESSION with Rich Diviney, Peak Performance Expert, Author The Attributes, and US Navy SEAL (RET.)

About the Guest

Rich Diviney is a former Navy SEAL officer with over two decades in the service, specializing in leadership roles and exercises. Known for his expertise in high-performance teams, Rich has served as the Chief Diversity Officer, pursued extensive research into attributes-based selection systems, and developed protocols integral to selecting elite military teams. He is the author of The Attributes: 25 Drivers of Optimal Performance, a renowned book that outlines the essential qualities for optimal team and individual performance. Following his retirement from the military, he now works as a speaker and consultant, sharing insights into leadership and human performance.

Episode Summary

Dive into this episode of Becoming UnDone with host Toby Brooks as he delves into the journey of Rich Diviney, a former Navy SEAL officer turned author and speaker. In this episode, Rich shares his transformation from a young aspirant with dreams of becoming a military pilot to a renowned Navy SEAL officer, and eventually an influential author and leadership expert. The conversation explores Rich’s upbringing in Connecticut, his journey through military training, and the eventual pivot into authoring “The Attributes”, a book that maps out the drivers of optimal performance.

During the discussion, Rich details the transition from his SEAL career to exploring the principles of high-performing teams. He breaks down the critical difference between skills and attributes, outlining how attributes such as adaptability and resilience are fundamental to performance in challenging environments. Rich highlights his application of these attributes in narrative form based on his elite military experience but also translates these insights into practical lessons for business leaders and educators looking to cultivate high-functioning teams.

Key Takeaways

• Attributes Over Skills: Rich underscores the importance of recognizing and developing attributes such as adaptability, resilience, and situational awareness over just acquiring skills.
• Transitions and Pivots: His career shift from military service to becoming an author and speaker showcases the adaptability of transferable attributes into new ventures.
• Goal Setting: Discusses the necessity of setting audacious goals, understanding that the path to achievement often requires adaptability and overcoming unforeseen challenges.
• Resilience in Failure: The episode emphasizes viewing setbacks as invaluable steps towards eventual success, resonant with high achievers.
• Self-Reflection & Growth: Rich shares his thoughts on continuous improvement and personal development, stressing the pursuit of excellence remains a life-long journey.

Notable Quotes

1. “The pathway there is almost never clear.”
2. “Attributes are the qualities that tell us they have what it takes to do the stuff.”
3. “It’s okay to quit, but just never give up.”
4. “My pursuit from now until I depart this earth will be to be a great husband, a great father, a great brother, a great son, and also just a great person.”
5. “Resilience is necessary in all aspects… if you want to endure.”

Resources

• Rich Diviney’s website: The Attributes

Listen to the full episode of Becoming UnDone to gain more insights from Rich Diviney on building high-performance teams, the importance of attributes in leadership, and his personal journey from Navy SEAL to influential author and speaker. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from the series, perfect for those seeking to better understand resilience and personal growth in high-pressure environments.