> ## Content Index
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# 5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers: some interesting ideas for the ambitious person
- URL: https://katecarruthers.com/5patterns-some-interesting-ideas-for-the-ambitious-person/
- Published: 2004-06-05T21:28:18.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-28T05:59:26.000Z
- Author: Kate Carruthers
- Tags: ideas, business, career, work, #Migrated-1775015344493, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-04-01 14:49

Found this site in my wanderings the other day when I was supposed to be studying for an exam. It is based on a book called

![The 5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/9e/739e1c52-4372-4113-9798-c15339da44db/content/images/2026/06/OIP.webp)

by James M. Citrin and Richard A. Smith and more info can be found at [www.5patterns.com](http://www.5patterns.com/?ref=katecarruthers.com).

The basic premise of this book is that people who have extraordinary careers display some common patterns:

1. Understand the Value of You
2. Practice Benevolent Leadership
3. Overcome the Permission Paradox
4. Differentiate Using the 20/80 Principle of Performance
5. Find the Right Fit (Strengths, Passions & People)There are some really good ideas here and a quiz you can do to see if your career will be "extraordinary". Personally I'm always up for a quiz!