From little things, big things grow.
Why small wins are good for morale, teamwork, and overall culture.
When I began cutting my teeth in advertising, Super Bowl ads, Effies, Cannes Lions, or even the next title, was the goal. Some of the prior were achieved, some not.
For a leader, there are better approaches than the above approach.
Small wins lead to bigger wins. This leads to new business wins, a team that doesn't dread Mondays and awards. In other words, From little things, big things grow. (And if you're a fellow Aussie, you'll understand the power of the last sentence.)
Small wins ensure your team feels appreciated and their work (time) is valued.
Note: While we all love the big wins, they can also be divisive - the haves and the have-nots - so tread carefully.
Culture of Recognition.
When you celebrate small wins, it creates a positive culture of recognition. Everyone feels that their work is making a difference and is they are noticed. In addition, by acknowledging small wins, you're showing your team that every little thing counts. This can boost morale and help to create a more engaged and motivated workforce.
Small wins also help reduce stress and anxiety. It's essential to have moments of positivity and encouragement to help balance things out. Celebrating small victories can be a way to help relieve stress and tension and give your team a chance to take a break and enjoy some positive energy.
From little things, big things grow.
This is one of the most famous images of Australia. It’s an eight-year-long story and how Vincent Lingiari (an indigenous Australian) fought for landrights. His fight started small with a sit-down, and that led to bigger things. The image depicts the then Australian Prime Minister pouring a handful of sand into Vincent’s hands giving Indigenous ownership.
Small wines = more creativity.
When you acknowledge and celebrate small successes, you're opening up the possibility of trying new things and taking risks. This helps to foster a culture of creativity and innovation, where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and try new things.
Importantly: by celebrating small wins, you're showing your team that it's okay to take risks and that creativity is valued.
It's also important to remember that small wins aren't just important for your team; they can also have a significant impact on your clients. Clients want to know that their project is in good hands and that progress is being made. By celebrating small wins and keeping clients informed, you're showing them that their project is a priority and that you're committed to delivering results.
Small wins are input targets.
At Amazon, big beefy goals were broken down into small wins. Small wins became input targets for bigger, better, and more innovative deliverables.
Conclusion:
Creativity does not live in negative and dull environments. Celebrating small wins is vital to building a positive and creative atmosphere.
It can help to motivate and inspire your team, reduce stress, foster creativity, and build strong client relationships.
So, the next time someone has a small win, take a moment to celebrate and acknowledge it. It may seem small, but it can make a big difference in the long run.