Navy SEAL Shares the 25 Hidden Attributes of Elite Leaders — with Rich Diviney
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What makes the difference between a leader who crumbles under pressure and one who rises to the occasion? It’s not just about experience or skills. In fact, there’s a hidden set of attributes that elite leaders rely on when things go sideways. These aren’t the kind of traits you’ll see on a résumé, but they’re the reason why some people thrive in chaos while others falter. In today’s episode, I sit down with Rich Diviney, retired Navy SEAL and founder of The Attributes, to dive deep into what really drives high performance when the stakes are high.
What Separates Good from Great? It’s Not Skills — It’s Attributes
Rich reveals that 90% of people who attempt SEAL training fail, and it’s not because they’re not physically capable. It’s because they lack the right attributes — the hidden drivers that determine how you perform under stress and uncertainty. We discuss why adaptability, resilience, and even “healthy imposter syndrome” are far more important than technical skills when it comes to leadership. Rich also shares how leaders can radically change how they manage their teams by understanding not just what their people can do, but who they are at their core.
Listen to the episode here on Apple Podcast & leave a review!
How to Lead Like a Navy SEAL: Practical Takeaways for Leaders
Rich doesn’t just leave us with concepts — he gives us practical strategies we can use right now to become better leaders:
- Adaptability Is Key: Stop trying to control everything. Instead, focus on how quickly you and your team can adjust to changing circumstances. It’s adaptability, not rigidity, that makes teams successful.
- Embrace Resilience: High-performing teams are built on their ability to bounce back, not avoid failure. Train your team to see setbacks as opportunities to strengthen their performance.
- Use Healthy Imposter Syndrome to Your Advantage: Instead of running from self-doubt, use it to stay sharp. Question your decisions, evaluate your performance, and always look for ways to improve.
Listen to the episode here on Apple Podcast & leave a review!
Rethinking Team Dynamics: The Power of Attributes
One of the most eye-opening parts of our conversation is how understanding your team’s attributes — not just their skills — can completely change the way you lead. Rich explains that skills get you in the door, but attributes determine how you perform when things don’t go according to plan. By recognizing the unique traits your team members bring to the table, you can build a stronger, more resilient unit that thrives in any situation.
Are You Ready to Unlock Your Hidden Leadership Attributes?
At the end of the day, the leaders who succeed aren’t the ones with the most experience or the best résumés — they’re the ones who understand themselves and their teams at a deeper level. If you want to take your leadership to the next level, it’s time to start focusing on the attributes that really matter. Listen to the full episode to hear Rich Diviney’s powerful insights and actionable strategies for becoming the kind of leader who thrives when the pressure is on.
Listen to the episode here on Apple Podcast & leave a review!
