“Great things are not done by impulse,
but by a series of small things brought together.”
Vincent van Gogh
The lure of the “big win” can be strong for a leader. But to do so risks losing sight of the small wins, the ones that build over time toward success.
Whenever a big innovation appears seemingly out of nowhere, it’s easy to assume it was the result of a single burst of genius.
But look beneath the surface. You’ll inevitably discover a history of smaller steps, all vital to the eventual big results. For example:
- James Dyson built 5,127 distinct prototypes over five years before number 5,128 became the Dyson G-Force vacuum.
- Before the 2007 launch of the iPhone, Apple engineers built multiple hardware and software iterations across six major prototype variations.
- Karl Benz had to develop several components before he built the first gasoline-powered vehicle, including the spark plug, carburetor, clutch, gear shift, and water radiator.
Innovation and sustainable growth come from consistently stacking small victories that compound over time. The result is not just achievement; it is also the physiological and organizational responses that are triggered.
When humans experience progress — no matter how small — our brain releases dopamine that boosts motivation. We feel validated for our efforts, and view the series of steps toward big results as manageable and executable.
Leadership Coach Terrie Ten Eyck says, “People want to do work that has value, and be valued for their work.” Your job as a leader is to make that happen by focusing on small wins:
- Acknowledging daily progress by recognizing specific acts of problem-solving, teamwork, or other activities.
- Making small wins visible by encouraging everyone to share their daily or weekly progress publicly.
- Connecting every completed step back to the overarching mission, vision, and goal.
When you celebrate small wins as achievement (irrespective of its size), you encourage everyone in your organization to do the same.
Don’t wait for meetings or events. Make yourself visible by getting out of your office and providing face-to-face, individual acknowledgement of progress toward ultimate success.
It’s good for the organization, and it’s good for you, too. Release your own dopamine and celebrate those small wins!
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