“Extraordinary leaders are those who continuously push beyond their comfort zones of what is common, known, and safe, while inspiring others to do the same!”  ~ Joe Contrera

The difference between a good leader and an extraordinary leader is very clear in the minds of their people. Sometimes it is not so clear in the minds of the leader.

When a good leader is present, their people say “Look at what they have done!”

When an extraordinary leader is present, their people say, “Look at what we have accomplished!”

Knowing whether you are simply being a good leader or knowing your an extraordinary one is the key to bringing out the very best in yourself and in others.

So, how do you know if you’re being extraordinary?

5 Things Extraordinary Leaders Know & Do:

1. They know their job is to teach and not to do. They are much better at asking questions so that their people come to their own solutions then they are at giving them solutions, or telling them what to do and or how to do it!
2. They hold themselves and their people accountable all the time, not just some of the time. They know that inconsistency in their behavior and their actions creates doubt. They know that people will not trust them if they don’t consistently hold them accountable.
3. They know they are responsible to their people and not responsible for their people. They create a safe environment where their people can succeed and they don’t take responsibility or credit for their successes or beat themselves up when their people fail.
4. They know to not do anything for their people that they can do for themselves and they know that their folks can do most things for themselves…if you let them. They know that their people don’t need to be saved, because their people are not broken nor do they need to be fixed. They trust them to do the work.
5. They realize that their focus needs to be on helping their team to tap into their brilliance, their genius, and their strengths, so they can reach their fullest potential. That only happens when you ask them to play a bigger game and not allow them to be stopped by challenges, problems, or adversity. Extraordinary leaders call their people to be extraordinary!

Your Stories or Your Legacy?

If asked, what would those whom you lead say about you and your leadership? Would it be flattering? Would it be eye-opening, painful, extraordinary, etc.?

Sometimes leaders are very good at telling people about themselves and their accomplishments.

For the record, what you say about yourself and the stories you tell about you, are simply that, stories!

What other people say about you and the stories they tell about you, well that my friends is your legacy. Extraordinary Leaders leave behind them legacies.

One Last Question

Being a leader might just be one of the most difficult challenge you face in your life. So if you choose to be a leader, why not be an extraordinary one?

Of course, it does require more effort than being an ordinary one. It also requires that you continuously learn and develop yourself. Someone once said, if you’re coasting, chances are you’re going down hill.

Here’s a link to help you start peddling again, or to learn how to peddle a bit more efficiently! (Click here)

Till next time!