Perhaps surprisingly, these aren’t always the same thing. Or at least, the difference you make might not be noticed in the way it deserves.

Infrastructure makes an enormous difference and while its absence causes a ruckus, its presence is barely commented on. Steady encouragement might be the wind in someone’s sails, but never properly appreciated. Common ground can be hard to find and its contribution overlooked amid a clamour over the differences that remain.

Getting attention or being noticed doesn’t indicate effectiveness. Making a difference does.