Why You Need to Focus on Attributes (Not Skills)
Why do some individuals seem naturally adept at managing while others struggle despite investing in training and skill development? The answer, according to Rich Diviney, lies not just in skills but in attributes.
Rich Diviney, a best-selling author, retired Navy SEAL commander, and expert in leadership and human performance, shares his insights into the crucial role attributes play in determining succe in any role. During his extensive experience in the Navy SEALs, where he was responsible for training and a e ing candidates, he discovered that succe wasn't solely based on skills like shooting or diving but on inherent qualities he termed "attributes."
This blog post delves into the concepts discu ed in his book "The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers to Optimal Performance," providing managers with actionable strategies to leverage attributes for better team performance.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
Both skills and attributes are important to succe , but understanding the differences is e ential to getting the right people in the right roles.
Skills: Learned abilities like typing, coding, or even specific managerial techniques. These are easy to a e and quantify.
Attributes: Inherent qualities such as adaptability, resilience, and patience. These are harder to measure and develop, but crucial for performance under pre ure. They dictate how we show up in times of uncertainty, stre , and complexity.
In today's complex and fast-paced work environment, teams face unprecedented levels of stre and uncertainty. Skills alone are insufficient to navigate these challenges. Attributes like resilience, courage, and task-switching become the differentiators between merely competent individuals and truly exceptional contributors.
IDENTIFY AND NURTURE ATTRIBUTES
Identifying and nurturing attributes for yourself or a team member requires effort. As Rich points out, a e ing attributes is not straightforward since they are le visible and harder to measure than skills. Rich suggests the following approaches:
Observe Under Stre : Attributes become most visible under stre . Observe how team members respond to high-pre ure situations to gauge their inherent qualities.
Reflective Analysis: Encourage team members to reflect on their past experiences and identify times when they demonstrated key attributes.
It begins when individuals recognize the need for improvement, po e the motivation to develop their traits, and intentionally place themselves in environments that test these qualities. As their bo , you can foster this growth by creating environments conducive to their development.
Unlike with skills, the way to improve an attribute is not through learning or training, but through practice. For example, to improve your patience, Rich explains that you might intentionally drive home during rush hour traffic or choose the longest line at the grocery store. It is through the experience of using the attribute that you develop the attribute.
LEVERAGE ATTRIBUTES FOR TEAM EFFECTIVENESS
As a manager, recognizing your team members' unique attributes and knowing how to leverage them can revolutionize your management practice. For example, someone with a high level of adaptability can help troubleshoot roadblocks in a project while a team member with a strong sense of situational awarene can ensure the team's efforts remain aligned with changing project goals.
While all individuals po e all of these attributes to some degree, the levels vary, creating a unique performance profile for each person. We can help our team members harne their special blend of attributes effectively and build diverse teams that combine our various strengths. This nuanced approach to team management can lead to not just improved performance but also a more harmonious, synergistic team dynamic.
FOCUS ON ATTRIBUTES
By focusing on inherent qualities rather than just skills, you can build stronger, more adaptable, and high-performing teams. As Rich’s insights reveal, the true potential of a manager lies in recognizing and nurturing the hidden drivers of performance within themselves and their teams. Embrace this approach to unlock new levels of succe in your managerial journey.
Listen to the full episode to learn more.
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Rich is providing members of Podcast+ 15% off The Attributes A e ment. This digital tool unlocks a deeper understanding of your individual strengths by delving into your 41 Attributes levels and giving you invaluable insights into your top 5 (strengths) and bottom 5 (areas for potential development).
To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.
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