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The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance
Do you have what it takes to succeed in any situation? According to a retired commander who ran training for Navy SEALs, true optimal performance goes beyond just skill. It’s all about THE ATTRIBUTES.
“Diviney’s incredible book explains why some people thrive—even when things get hard.”—Charles Duhigg, New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Habit
During his twenty years as a Navy officer and SEAL, Rich Diviney was intimately involved in a specialized SEAL selection process, which whittled a group of hundreds of extraordinary candidates down to a handful of the most elite performers. Diviney was often surprised by which candidates washed out and which succeeded. Some could have all the right skills and still fail, while others he might have initially dismissed would prove to be top performers. The seemingly objective criteria weren’t telling him what he most needed to Who would succeed in one of the world’s toughest military assignments?
It is similarly hard to predict success in the real world.
It happens often enough that underdog students accomplish exceptional achievements while highly skilled, motivated employees fail to meet expectations. Dark-horse companies pull away from the pack while dream teams flush with talent and capital go under. In working with and selecting top special operators for decades, Diviney saw that beneath obvious skills are hidden drivers of performance, surprising core attributes—including cunning , adaptability , courage , even narcissism —that determine how resilient or perseverant we are, how situationally aware and how conscientious . These attributes explain how we perform as individuals and as part of a team. The same methodology that Diviney used in the military can be applied by anyone in their personal and professional lives, and understanding these attributes can allow readers and their teams to perform optimally, at any time, in any situation.
Diviney defines the core attributes in fresh and practical ways and shares stories from the military, business, sports, relationships, and even parenting to show how understanding your own attributes and those of the people around you can create optimal performance in all areas of your life.
“Diviney’s incredible book explains why some people thrive—even when things get hard.”—Charles Duhigg, New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Habit
During his twenty years as a Navy officer and SEAL, Rich Diviney was intimately involved in a specialized SEAL selection process, which whittled a group of hundreds of extraordinary candidates down to a handful of the most elite performers. Diviney was often surprised by which candidates washed out and which succeeded. Some could have all the right skills and still fail, while others he might have initially dismissed would prove to be top performers. The seemingly objective criteria weren’t telling him what he most needed to Who would succeed in one of the world’s toughest military assignments?
It is similarly hard to predict success in the real world.
It happens often enough that underdog students accomplish exceptional achievements while highly skilled, motivated employees fail to meet expectations. Dark-horse companies pull away from the pack while dream teams flush with talent and capital go under. In working with and selecting top special operators for decades, Diviney saw that beneath obvious skills are hidden drivers of performance, surprising core attributes—including cunning , adaptability , courage , even narcissism —that determine how resilient or perseverant we are, how situationally aware and how conscientious . These attributes explain how we perform as individuals and as part of a team. The same methodology that Diviney used in the military can be applied by anyone in their personal and professional lives, and understanding these attributes can allow readers and their teams to perform optimally, at any time, in any situation.
Diviney defines the core attributes in fresh and practical ways and shares stories from the military, business, sports, relationships, and even parenting to show how understanding your own attributes and those of the people around you can create optimal performance in all areas of your life.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 26, 2021
357 people are currently reading
3285 people want to read
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February 3, 2021
Why this book: I had invited the author Rich Diviney to be a guest speaker on the Mental Performance Working Group that I host to discuss his work on The Attributes. Naturally, I thought it would be good for me to read his book first.
Summary in 3 sentences. Rich Diviney developed the idea of attributes as a means of better selecting candidates for intensive SEAL training, after realizing that assessing for skills was not useful -skills could be taught; he realized that they were actually selecting for attributes which are more innate and determine how a person will react to uncertainty, challenge, and stress. He and his team were looking for attributes that indicate how a person will perform in uncertain, challenging, stressful environments, often with little warning or time to prepare, and perhaps with little previous experience. He discusses each of 25 attributes which he breaks down into five categories: Grit, Mental Acuity, Drive, Leadership and Teamability and offers advice on how a person might develop attributes, as well as how to use attributes to make oneself and one’s organization stronger.
My impression: Really fascinating and well written book. Easy and enjoyable to read, and a fascinating new concept for selecting, assessing, personnel for hiring and for promotion. There is a lot of content – each of 25 attributes gets about7-10 pages which flow quickly and easily as he provides fascinating examples from his and other people’s experience to explain each one. I started losing track of attributes after getting thru the first 10 or so – and felt that each attribute could almost justify a whole discussion; but Rich’s intention was to introduce the concept and get the discussion going.
He discusses the difference between Skills and Attributes:
Skills In short, can be taught, like driving, shooting, accounting, language, climbing etc.
Attributes are more inherent. People have different base-line strengths and weaknesses in their attributes, but with intention a person can develop their attributes. Attributes for Diviney are those qualities that inform a person’s behavior under conditions of Uncertainty, Challenge, and Stress.
He discusses the difference between Peak and Optimal Performance.
Peak performance is the apogee of one’s very best performance, and one can prepare for peak performance, by targeting one’s preparations to perform at one’s best during a specific time window under specific conditions;
Optimal performance means doing the best one can, with whatever one has, whenever called upon, and under whatever conditions may present themselves.
The SEAL Teams and other first responders need to select for those with attributes that support primarily “optimal” performance. Peak performance is more applicable to athletic competitions or other performances under predictable conditions.
Attributes for selection? He described how he and his team working with the selection and assessment team at a SEAL Team, came up with the idea of focusing on attributes. He and his team realized that they were testing candidates under conditions of Uncertainty Challenge and Stress to identify whether a candidate had the baseline attributes adequate to make that person a good candidate for the work they are being selected for, to include capacity to learn the necessary skills. They realized that a candidate’s skills were not nearly as relevant as their attributes They sat down started listing those attributes that they needed.
For The Attributes, he distilled several long lists of attributes down to 25 attributes, which serve as a taxonomy for his book. He broke 22 of those attributes into FIVE broad categories: Grit, Mental Acuity, Drive, Leadership, and Teamability. His book is divided into sections – one for each of these categories, and each section devotes a chapter to describe and explain each attributes within that broad category.
Grit – which includes the attributes of Courage, Perseverance, Adaptability, Resilience – and he does reference Angela Duckworth’s work.
Mental Acuity – which includes the attributes of Situational Awareness, Compartmentalization, Task Switching, Learnability
Drive – which includes the attributes of Self-efficacy, Discipline, Open Mindedness, Cunning, Narcissism (as a positive, vice negative attribute).
Leadership – which includes the attributes of Empathy, Selflessness, Authenticity, Decisiveness, Accountability
Teamability – which includes the attributes of Integrity, Conscientiousness, Humility, and Humor.
Three other 3 attributes which he describes and which he argues don’t fit into any of his 5 categories are: Patience/impatience, Fear/insouciance, Competitiveness/non-competitiveness.
Though inherent in “who we are,” one’s attributes are malleable and can be developed, but not as easy as skills. Attribute development must be self-directed and deliberate and with conscious effort. It takes work. Attributes have to be seen in different contexts to be understood and assessed.
A couple of additional interesting pieces that I found in this book:
Empathy (part of Leadership)- like most attributes, it can’t be developed in a classroom. One can learn “about” it, but it requires deliberate work and effort and intentionality to develop it.
Humor (part of Teamability) is a neurological hack into perseverance and courage. Humor and laughter (jokes) inundate our brains w dopamine and endorphins. All high performing teams he argues, have a “class clown.”
Narcissism -(an attribute of Drive) Though normally a pejorative term, Rich insists that a healthy degree of narcissism is a powerful motivator – it motivates people to work hard, take on new challenges, become the person they are proud of being.
Which are the “real” attributes, or the best list? Rich points out that his list is a distillation of what he and his SEAL team partners came up with for their needs. He insists that each organization look at which attributes are most important for the positions in their organizations. His list may be a good starting point. Empathy for example, will be much more important for a nurse, or child care specialist, than for a computer programer, or an auto mechanic. He encourages organizations to consider those most suited to their organization, and perhaps for different jobs in their organization and to hire more for attributes than skills, which can be taught. Organizations which hire for attributes are playing the “long game.”
The Attributes is an interesting book with a valuable and insightful approach to assessing qualities of people for specific jobs. Though inspired by SEAL team selection and assessment, it is a tool that can be widely used in hiring, and in deciding promotion – by matching a person’s attributes to the requirements of their potential job.
This is an abbreviation of my review. To read my entire review, go to: https://bobsbeenreading.wordpress.com...
Summary in 3 sentences. Rich Diviney developed the idea of attributes as a means of better selecting candidates for intensive SEAL training, after realizing that assessing for skills was not useful -skills could be taught; he realized that they were actually selecting for attributes which are more innate and determine how a person will react to uncertainty, challenge, and stress. He and his team were looking for attributes that indicate how a person will perform in uncertain, challenging, stressful environments, often with little warning or time to prepare, and perhaps with little previous experience. He discusses each of 25 attributes which he breaks down into five categories: Grit, Mental Acuity, Drive, Leadership and Teamability and offers advice on how a person might develop attributes, as well as how to use attributes to make oneself and one’s organization stronger.
My impression: Really fascinating and well written book. Easy and enjoyable to read, and a fascinating new concept for selecting, assessing, personnel for hiring and for promotion. There is a lot of content – each of 25 attributes gets about7-10 pages which flow quickly and easily as he provides fascinating examples from his and other people’s experience to explain each one. I started losing track of attributes after getting thru the first 10 or so – and felt that each attribute could almost justify a whole discussion; but Rich’s intention was to introduce the concept and get the discussion going.
He discusses the difference between Skills and Attributes:
Skills In short, can be taught, like driving, shooting, accounting, language, climbing etc.
Attributes are more inherent. People have different base-line strengths and weaknesses in their attributes, but with intention a person can develop their attributes. Attributes for Diviney are those qualities that inform a person’s behavior under conditions of Uncertainty, Challenge, and Stress.
He discusses the difference between Peak and Optimal Performance.
Peak performance is the apogee of one’s very best performance, and one can prepare for peak performance, by targeting one’s preparations to perform at one’s best during a specific time window under specific conditions;
Optimal performance means doing the best one can, with whatever one has, whenever called upon, and under whatever conditions may present themselves.
The SEAL Teams and other first responders need to select for those with attributes that support primarily “optimal” performance. Peak performance is more applicable to athletic competitions or other performances under predictable conditions.
Attributes for selection? He described how he and his team working with the selection and assessment team at a SEAL Team, came up with the idea of focusing on attributes. He and his team realized that they were testing candidates under conditions of Uncertainty Challenge and Stress to identify whether a candidate had the baseline attributes adequate to make that person a good candidate for the work they are being selected for, to include capacity to learn the necessary skills. They realized that a candidate’s skills were not nearly as relevant as their attributes They sat down started listing those attributes that they needed.
For The Attributes, he distilled several long lists of attributes down to 25 attributes, which serve as a taxonomy for his book. He broke 22 of those attributes into FIVE broad categories: Grit, Mental Acuity, Drive, Leadership, and Teamability. His book is divided into sections – one for each of these categories, and each section devotes a chapter to describe and explain each attributes within that broad category.
Grit – which includes the attributes of Courage, Perseverance, Adaptability, Resilience – and he does reference Angela Duckworth’s work.
Mental Acuity – which includes the attributes of Situational Awareness, Compartmentalization, Task Switching, Learnability
Drive – which includes the attributes of Self-efficacy, Discipline, Open Mindedness, Cunning, Narcissism (as a positive, vice negative attribute).
Leadership – which includes the attributes of Empathy, Selflessness, Authenticity, Decisiveness, Accountability
Teamability – which includes the attributes of Integrity, Conscientiousness, Humility, and Humor.
Three other 3 attributes which he describes and which he argues don’t fit into any of his 5 categories are: Patience/impatience, Fear/insouciance, Competitiveness/non-competitiveness.
Though inherent in “who we are,” one’s attributes are malleable and can be developed, but not as easy as skills. Attribute development must be self-directed and deliberate and with conscious effort. It takes work. Attributes have to be seen in different contexts to be understood and assessed.
A couple of additional interesting pieces that I found in this book:
Empathy (part of Leadership)- like most attributes, it can’t be developed in a classroom. One can learn “about” it, but it requires deliberate work and effort and intentionality to develop it.
Humor (part of Teamability) is a neurological hack into perseverance and courage. Humor and laughter (jokes) inundate our brains w dopamine and endorphins. All high performing teams he argues, have a “class clown.”
Narcissism -(an attribute of Drive) Though normally a pejorative term, Rich insists that a healthy degree of narcissism is a powerful motivator – it motivates people to work hard, take on new challenges, become the person they are proud of being.
Which are the “real” attributes, or the best list? Rich points out that his list is a distillation of what he and his SEAL team partners came up with for their needs. He insists that each organization look at which attributes are most important for the positions in their organizations. His list may be a good starting point. Empathy for example, will be much more important for a nurse, or child care specialist, than for a computer programer, or an auto mechanic. He encourages organizations to consider those most suited to their organization, and perhaps for different jobs in their organization and to hire more for attributes than skills, which can be taught. Organizations which hire for attributes are playing the “long game.”
The Attributes is an interesting book with a valuable and insightful approach to assessing qualities of people for specific jobs. Though inspired by SEAL team selection and assessment, it is a tool that can be widely used in hiring, and in deciding promotion – by matching a person’s attributes to the requirements of their potential job.
This is an abbreviation of my review. To read my entire review, go to: https://bobsbeenreading.wordpress.com...
April 30, 2023
An interesting mental model with a classification of innate personality properties (the list doesn't cover learnable skills), the author finds essential in high-performing. I like the way he breaks things down, e.g., perseverance as a combination of persistence, tenacity & fortitude (with separate definitions and impact specifics for each one of them). In general: neither it's a business book nor it sticks too close to Diviney's SEAL history - the content of the book is quite generic and can be applied in many different fields. I don't find it ground-breaking when it comes to my thinking about what's needed to achieve success, but I strongly believe the mental model presented here is useful if you want to assess your strengths and weak points.
4.0 stars.
4.0 stars.
December 22, 2020
This book is a great tool and story. It taught me so much of what I know about trust. I have always had trust issues and this book makes you understand why and how to over come issues.
It also taught me why some people get going when the going gets tough. Made me tougher when dealing with tough issues in my life, personal and professional. If you care about bettering yourself pick up a copy of this great book today. It will change the way you look at difficult situations and how to deal with them. It will make you a much better person. Find the secret to being a better you.
It also taught me why some people get going when the going gets tough. Made me tougher when dealing with tough issues in my life, personal and professional. If you care about bettering yourself pick up a copy of this great book today. It will change the way you look at difficult situations and how to deal with them. It will make you a much better person. Find the secret to being a better you.
February 21, 2021
An incredible playbook for personal development & self-awareness. I had heard about "The Attributes" from Rich Daviney's appearance on The Rich Roll's podcast and coincidentally was gifted the book a week later. I particularly enjoyed how the findings are backed by science and the pragmatic examples from WWII. The book is centered around 5 attribute categories: Grit, Mental Acuity, Drive, Teamability & leadership. The whole premise is that attributes can be dialed up or down depending on where you are and that self-awareness is the first step on the journey for improvement.
September 29, 2023
A good read read for any interested in hiring new staff or building a team. Attributes, not skill sets, are more what enable a team to adapt when things go sideways. Fortunately, attributes can be developed, but they doing so takes more effort and times. A good sequel would be how to identify the attributes of others.
March 3, 2021
Very, very good book. I did the audiobook and it was very well done. Self-development is one of my favorite genres and I read a lot inside of it. This one was really solid. Where I think this book shines brightest and far outperforms its peer group is for building elite teams. Whether a marriage, a Fortune 500 Company, or an elite SEAL team (of which the author was a part of) this book stands alone. I really appreciated the nuances this book brought to the table that was honed through the development and implementation of key identifiers...attributes if you will, and training the author used in cultivating our Nations toughest and sharper warriors. Overall a great read. Grateful for the authors service to our Nation and the extremely valuable insights gleaned there that he now offers in this excellent book.
March 13, 2024
Diviney provides a new way of thinking about things that come naturally to a person, and doing anything new in the "self-help" space is, frankly, impressive all on its own.
The distinction between education and training was helpful and not just semantic, and going through different attributes and how they might be innate or learned was similarly helpful. I loved when he ID'ed the attributes (ex. humor) that can only be decided by other people. I love that he differentiated between skills and attributes. I didn't invite myself to think too-too critically here (namely, try to ID what other attributes could be missing), but will certainly be thinking of the ideas posed here more thoroughly.
The distinction between education and training was helpful and not just semantic, and going through different attributes and how they might be innate or learned was similarly helpful. I loved when he ID'ed the attributes (ex. humor) that can only be decided by other people. I love that he differentiated between skills and attributes. I didn't invite myself to think too-too critically here (namely, try to ID what other attributes could be missing), but will certainly be thinking of the ideas posed here more thoroughly.
October 5, 2022
Our personality is surface level. But our attributes fall well below the surface. Personality can be faked (see every first interview ever), whereas attributes lie deeper, materializing through stress & uncertainty. They are our default wiring & are the difference between hiring someone capable of doing the job & hiring someone who will do the job. This is why The Talent War Group (Divinity is a member) says hire for character, train for skill. Attributes are the building blocks of character.
There are 25 attributes, broken into categories. Here's an example:
Mental Acuity—sharpness of mind—composed of 4 attributes - situational awareness, compartmentalization, task switching & learnability. I, for example, test stupid high in task switching, high in learnability & moderate in situational awareness & task switching (to learn your attributes, take the assessments on the Attributes website/link in comments).
This is a must read for anyone focused on self-awareness, human nature &/or cracking the hiring code.
There are 25 attributes, broken into categories. Here's an example:
Mental Acuity—sharpness of mind—composed of 4 attributes - situational awareness, compartmentalization, task switching & learnability. I, for example, test stupid high in task switching, high in learnability & moderate in situational awareness & task switching (to learn your attributes, take the assessments on the Attributes website/link in comments).
This is a must read for anyone focused on self-awareness, human nature &/or cracking the hiring code.
February 13, 2021
Bought this thinking it would have suggestions which would help deal with stress of self-isolating and masking during this pandemic. There were some insights but I was distracted by the author's self descriptions of personal success. This would be a good book for business people but I'm 77 and not sure it was pertinent for my current life.
August 13, 2021
Last week I finished "The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance" by retired Navy SEAL commander Rich Diviney. In this thought provoking book, Rich argues the difference between Skills and Attributes in humans. Skills can be taught but attributes are more inherent and show up under conditions of uncertainty, challenge and stress. I recommend reading this book for anyone in a leadership position.
He also discusses the difference between Peak and Optimal Performance. Peak performance is the furthest someone can reach under certain conditions for a limited time. One can prepare for peak performance knowing of the right parameters ahead of time. Optimal performance on the other hand, means doing the best one can with whatever one has, whenever called upon and under whatever conditions may present themselves.
People have different base-line strengths and weaknesses in their attributes, but with intention a person can develop their attributes. Here are the 22 attributes he considers important based on his experience dividing them into 5 major categories.
(1) Grit –
* Courage,
* Perseverance
* Adaptability
* Resilience
(2) Mental Acuity –
* Situational Awareness
* Compartmentalization
* Task Switching
* Learnability
(3) Drive –
* Self-efficacy
* Discipline
* Open Mindedness
* Cunning
* Narcissism
(4) Leadership –
* Empathy
* Selflessness
* Authenticity
* Decisiveness
* Accountability
(5) Teamability –
* Integrity
* Conscientiousness
* Humility
* Humor
He also discusses 3 more attributes that doesn't fit into his above 5 major categories - Patience/impatience, Fear/insouciance, Competitiveness/non-competitiveness.
Source: http://www.dragon-bishop.com/2021/08/...
He also discusses the difference between Peak and Optimal Performance. Peak performance is the furthest someone can reach under certain conditions for a limited time. One can prepare for peak performance knowing of the right parameters ahead of time. Optimal performance on the other hand, means doing the best one can with whatever one has, whenever called upon and under whatever conditions may present themselves.
People have different base-line strengths and weaknesses in their attributes, but with intention a person can develop their attributes. Here are the 22 attributes he considers important based on his experience dividing them into 5 major categories.
(1) Grit –
* Courage,
* Perseverance
* Adaptability
* Resilience
(2) Mental Acuity –
* Situational Awareness
* Compartmentalization
* Task Switching
* Learnability
(3) Drive –
* Self-efficacy
* Discipline
* Open Mindedness
* Cunning
* Narcissism
(4) Leadership –
* Empathy
* Selflessness
* Authenticity
* Decisiveness
* Accountability
(5) Teamability –
* Integrity
* Conscientiousness
* Humility
* Humor
He also discusses 3 more attributes that doesn't fit into his above 5 major categories - Patience/impatience, Fear/insouciance, Competitiveness/non-competitiveness.
Source: http://www.dragon-bishop.com/2021/08/...
February 17, 2021
Intelligent, insightful, and thought provoking from a business perspective. Enjoyed the personal stories of author & former Navy Seal, Rich Diviney the most.
Personally, some of the examples are a miss but I have a unique perspective as a former Partner in the Professional Services & Business Process Consulting space. FYI, the customer isn’t always right & “Julie” probably did her team wrong by not engaging her talented players w her client in dialogue to explore whether their request for changes was in fact the best solution. I know from experience that many client requested changes are not the best solutions & sometimes you have to push back at the client.
Furthermore, the examples around fight or flight were interesting but not fitting for me. I have Dysautonomia and chronically high norepinephrine (aka Hyperadrenageric POTS). The problem can’t be overcome by changing my thoughts. However, for most people, the examples are right on.
I enjoyed reading the 25 drivers and the authors fresh perspective.
I’d recommend Mr. Diviney write more about his life as a Navy Seal, I found those stories fascinating.
Giving the book 4 stars because it’s really well written & I can envision it being a recommended read for leadership & their teams.
Personally, some of the examples are a miss but I have a unique perspective as a former Partner in the Professional Services & Business Process Consulting space. FYI, the customer isn’t always right & “Julie” probably did her team wrong by not engaging her talented players w her client in dialogue to explore whether their request for changes was in fact the best solution. I know from experience that many client requested changes are not the best solutions & sometimes you have to push back at the client.
Furthermore, the examples around fight or flight were interesting but not fitting for me. I have Dysautonomia and chronically high norepinephrine (aka Hyperadrenageric POTS). The problem can’t be overcome by changing my thoughts. However, for most people, the examples are right on.
I enjoyed reading the 25 drivers and the authors fresh perspective.
I’d recommend Mr. Diviney write more about his life as a Navy Seal, I found those stories fascinating.
Giving the book 4 stars because it’s really well written & I can envision it being a recommended read for leadership & their teams.
August 5, 2021
Diviney has a really good way of talking about these attributes. There are not any secrets here. His perspective on self-development through understanding these attributes is presented in very simple terms. As with every other book like this, the trick is to implement the applicable-ness of these teachings and suggestions into your own life.
Diviney has military background (surprise!) Seems like many of the authors of these books are the same. Military commanders, wartime heroes, leaders faced with unsurmountable circumstances that find a way to not only rise to the top, but also have the wherewithal after the fact to write about it. Either that or they have all conspired together to just make stuff up and pretend really sincerely that it works.
My problem with these books remains consistent, opportunity and application to my personal situation seems more difficult, as well as not very applicable to what's written.
Great advice. I took lots of notes, and hopefully I find ways to put these suggestions into practice. Maybe I need to stick to sci-fi or fiction? Or maybe just stay away from these self-helpers?
Diviney has military background (surprise!) Seems like many of the authors of these books are the same. Military commanders, wartime heroes, leaders faced with unsurmountable circumstances that find a way to not only rise to the top, but also have the wherewithal after the fact to write about it. Either that or they have all conspired together to just make stuff up and pretend really sincerely that it works.
My problem with these books remains consistent, opportunity and application to my personal situation seems more difficult, as well as not very applicable to what's written.
Great advice. I took lots of notes, and hopefully I find ways to put these suggestions into practice. Maybe I need to stick to sci-fi or fiction? Or maybe just stay away from these self-helpers?
November 30, 2022
Interesting book on performance from a Naval Specil Warfare officer who was tasked at one point to work with the selection process for an NSW Special Missions Unit. They had a selection process where subjective assessments of candidates were made, but they could not quantify why candidates did not pass selection. The author is taking that and trying to identify attribute (largely unchanging) parts of a performer's make up and how it effects performance, ability to apply skills to circumstances, and how to improve Attributes (it is hard and slow). Most human performance books have focused on skills and skill building. This one is unique in grasping the uncomfortable topic of attributes. If you have read Peak, Talent is Overated, Range and other performance books, this is a good addition.
March 8, 2021
Happy to share this new book as today is Launch Day!!
If you’ve consumed a bit of the content here, you have probably learned I am a huge advocate for high-performance practices on a daily basis. This book is a perfect match for that area of interest.
Rich is a retired Navy SEAL commander and has completed more than a dozen overseas deployments. One of the coolest things he has done was lead his small team to create the first-ever “Mind Gym,” which helped special operators train their brains to perform faster, longer, and better in all environments-especially high-stress ones.
In his new book, The Attributes, he highlights 25 hidden drivers of optimal performance including Fall Seven Times and Get Up Eight, Mastering the Pivot, Honor the Class Clown, among many others.
If you’ve consumed a bit of the content here, you have probably learned I am a huge advocate for high-performance practices on a daily basis. This book is a perfect match for that area of interest.
Rich is a retired Navy SEAL commander and has completed more than a dozen overseas deployments. One of the coolest things he has done was lead his small team to create the first-ever “Mind Gym,” which helped special operators train their brains to perform faster, longer, and better in all environments-especially high-stress ones.
In his new book, The Attributes, he highlights 25 hidden drivers of optimal performance including Fall Seven Times and Get Up Eight, Mastering the Pivot, Honor the Class Clown, among many others.
May 21, 2021
After tuning Rich's interview in Lewis Howes' "The School of Greatness" podcast, I came across this book: the entire interview was interesting enough to make me seek a copy of this book. Thankfully, I wasn't wrong.
"The Attributes" easily exposes each of the drivers to the point it's triggering you to mix and match those attributes between themselves and see where do you stand on the scale.
It's not a quick read book as it encourages self-reflection or considering memories and examining your own attitudes towards circumstances, but let me assure you it's definitely worth the time invested.
"The Attributes" easily exposes each of the drivers to the point it's triggering you to mix and match those attributes between themselves and see where do you stand on the scale.
It's not a quick read book as it encourages self-reflection or considering memories and examining your own attitudes towards circumstances, but let me assure you it's definitely worth the time invested.
October 11, 2021
Self Improvement and How to Evaluate People’s Potential
I got interested in the concept of attributes after listening to Rich promote his book on a podcast. Later that week, I attended my 21 year high school reunion and they had honored some alumni displaying those attributes; it wasn’t about celebrating their material success. Our society puts too much emphasis on titles and awards without looking at the entire package of the person. This was definitely a self improvement book on how to become a better person and team member. If you’re a leader, this will also help you evaluate people on their potential.
I got interested in the concept of attributes after listening to Rich promote his book on a podcast. Later that week, I attended my 21 year high school reunion and they had honored some alumni displaying those attributes; it wasn’t about celebrating their material success. Our society puts too much emphasis on titles and awards without looking at the entire package of the person. This was definitely a self improvement book on how to become a better person and team member. If you’re a leader, this will also help you evaluate people on their potential.
February 8, 2022
I liked this book but it seemed more applicable for individuals involved in leadership (hence the 3 stars because it wasn’t for me). The audible version read by the author was enjoyable. Audible isn’t ideal for reviewing parts of books but I did get a copy of the book on kindle while it was on sale. I also have been enjoying podcasts where the author is interviewed. It helps with reinforcing/reviewing some of the topics. The book reminded me of Ryan Holidays Stillness is the Key with chapters dedicated to a specific theme/attribute.
July 25, 2022
One of my favorite leadership and self-development books - which contrary to some books of that genre, is a really easy read thanks to all the stories in the book. I love how Rich Diviney has a whole website (theattributes.com) dedicated to this idea of the attributes where you can take a test to measure your own levels. There are 25 attributes, quite a lot, so I keep picking up the book again to reread some of the chapters. Definitely a very interesting way to examine your behaviors and think about how you can improve yourself.
October 17, 2022
Book lists out 25 practices one can develop more fully but doesn't go into how. I feel that if a person took out the portion where Diviney pushes why these "Attributes" are a real thing, how they could benefit a person, and his personal Seal story, it would leave someone with a few pages of actual valid information. This information would detail what these Attributes were and a few snippets of how to increase some of them but does leave out how to increase most of the others.
I would not read this again and use Seligman's system of "Authentic Happiness" instead.
I would not read this again and use Seligman's system of "Authentic Happiness" instead.
November 11, 2024
I was really disappointed to see that there was no reference section. Otherwise how can the reader know how the author even researched the material in the book? The author most consistently referenced Dr. Andrew Huberman and Simon Sinek, and completely disregarded other leaders in the field. I also thought some of the anecdotes were a little weird or not really related to what they were supposed to illustrate. I suspect a lot of the high ratings are because this was written by a SEAL and many of the anecdotes drew from his experiences.
May 28, 2025
A terrific insight on how attributes are more relevant than skills with respects to overcoming obstacles and working as a team.
I like how it categorized the attributes into 5 different units and then summarized each attribute at the end of each unit. The book also dove heavily into the psychology behind each attribute and would give a tangible example of how that attribute had been exhibited at some point in the author’s life by another person.
Great read for anyone looking to improve themselves or understand working in a team environment.
I like how it categorized the attributes into 5 different units and then summarized each attribute at the end of each unit. The book also dove heavily into the psychology behind each attribute and would give a tangible example of how that attribute had been exhibited at some point in the author’s life by another person.
Great read for anyone looking to improve themselves or understand working in a team environment.
February 13, 2021
Insightful, worthwhile, and thought-provoking
I enjoyed the author's perspective on teamwork and his description of the personal attributes that form the basis for how humans react to stress and uncertainty. He includes good, scientific information about mental processing along with memorable narratives to illustrate concepts. Certainly well worth reading and operationalizing the insights.
I enjoyed the author's perspective on teamwork and his description of the personal attributes that form the basis for how humans react to stress and uncertainty. He includes good, scientific information about mental processing along with memorable narratives to illustrate concepts. Certainly well worth reading and operationalizing the insights.
August 1, 2021
A different look at what makes us who we are.
While this isn't a complete list of possible attributes (can there be a complete list?) the book lists 25 that are key for leaders and those who work together on teams. While it's not aimed at creatives, the book is filled with useful information that can help writers create more complex and believable characters.
A fascinating and worthwhile read.
While this isn't a complete list of possible attributes (can there be a complete list?) the book lists 25 that are key for leaders and those who work together on teams. While it's not aimed at creatives, the book is filled with useful information that can help writers create more complex and believable characters.
A fascinating and worthwhile read.
January 22, 2022
This book was very informative and written in a clear and compelling manner. For me, it was just a bit too skewed in the direction of Corporate / Organization-based success, which was not my primary interest. I do think it was still well worth reading if you have the interest, but I think I got about as much out of listening to the excellent episode featuring the author on the Rich Roll Podcast in 2021. Reading the book did not really add much benefit for me.
January 21, 2023
"A system is never the sum of its parts. It is the product of their interaction." - Russell Ackoff
The author points out the difference between skills (can be taught) and attributes (discovered in challenging and stressful situations).
The book lists 25 key attributes and makes for an interesting read as it's filled with personal stories and relatable examples. Also, had some interesting perspectives on team work.
The author points out the difference between skills (can be taught) and attributes (discovered in challenging and stressful situations).
The book lists 25 key attributes and makes for an interesting read as it's filled with personal stories and relatable examples. Also, had some interesting perspectives on team work.
March 11, 2023
Rich Diviney was in the Navy SEALs, an organisation which knows quite a bit about developing leaders and team work, so seeing his background adds a lot of credibility to this book. He describes what lead to the development of the attributes and the impact they’ve had on selection and development. Bringing it all together in this book provides you with a good reference tool on improving your leadership and your team.
June 8, 2024
The ideas in the book are great, especially towards the end. Perhaps the business world would benefit a lot of paying more attention to the soft skills and core attributes as they are presented in the book.
The book should be a must-read for any [potential] people manager.
While the ideas within the book would qualify for 4.5 stars, the way they are presented with random examples from the author personal experience determined my rating.
The book should be a must-read for any [potential] people manager.
While the ideas within the book would qualify for 4.5 stars, the way they are presented with random examples from the author personal experience determined my rating.
January 23, 2025
I was fortunate enough to take a 10 week class with author and former Navy Seal, Rich Diviney. Afterwards I read this book. The Attributes defines and explores “attributes” (innate characteristics we all have in varying degrees) which present as strengths or weaknesses, and which shape our behavior. Diviney has developed a novel and on-target system for understanding differences (and similarities) in deportment and performance. Great material!
March 13, 2021
Really enjoyed this book, I listened to it on my morning walks, and the narrative was really good by the author a rarity. I enjoyed his personal stories as a seal team member an applying it to day to day business.I related too many of the examples explained and realized some shortcomings. Really was reflective for me in many ways. Would be useful for up and comers.
March 22, 2021
Attributes, skills, behaviour, its all explained in this book. What they are, why they matter, ow they
are linked and what they mean.
Its a bit of a game-changer if you've not been aware of these attributes before, a great new perspective on them even if you have!
All in all a great and useful read, so what's stopping you from reading it ?
are linked and what they mean.
Its a bit of a game-changer if you've not been aware of these attributes before, a great new perspective on them even if you have!
All in all a great and useful read, so what's stopping you from reading it ?
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