It was a wonderful session on ‘the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary” by my colleague Rajesh Kannan at Compassites. Any learning which helps you travel an extra mile is always wonderful. With this session, it became very simple to understand the difference between ordinary and extraordinary.

It is just that little ‘extra’ which made the ordinary the extraordinary. Let me articulate my learning in my own way, which is as follows:

* If you are working hard, it’s ordinary; if you are working smart, it’s extraordinary.

* If you are responding, it’s ordinary; if you are communicating effectively, it’s extraordinary.

* If you are blaming others for your current situation in life, it’s ordinary; if you are holding yourself accountable for being the architect of your own life, it’s extraordinary.

* If you have a goal, it’s ordinary; if your action is helping you reach the goal in the most optimal way, it’s extraordinary.

* If you can learn, it’s ordinary; if you can teach, it’s extraordinary.

* If you can acquire knowledge, it’s ordinary; if you can apply it multiple times in multiple ways, it’s extraordinary.

* If you know your strengths, it’s ordinary; if others know your strengths and want to utilize it, it’s extraordinary.

Finally, let me also add that, if you want to start anything, it’s ordinary; if you can lead in the line what you started, it’s extraordinary.

Of-course we all know that this topic is subjective and the difference is always relative…but, the essence of it always remain the same, it’s that little ‘extra’ which makes you a leader…Do you have the little extra in you?