SMALL WINS, BIG IMPACT
Drive by Friday
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Drive by Friday –
As the year winds down, it’s easy to fixate on the big goals that are still ahead. Deadlines, KPIs, and looming projects can make it feel like there’s little time to pause. But in the rush to “finish strong,” we often overlook the small victories that keep teams motivated, engaged, and connected.
Small wins matter. They’re the building blocks of confidence, momentum, and a positive workplace culture. Recognising them doesn’t just make people feel appreciated — it reinforces the behaviours you want to see more of, creates energy, and reminds everyone that progress is happening, even amid heavy workloads.
Some examples of small wins:
That team member who solved a tricky problem quietly, without fanfare.
Someone stepping up to support a colleague during a busy period.
A minor process improvement that saves time, reduces errors, or makes work smoother for everyone.
Simply delivering a project ahead of schedule or exceeding expectations in a small task.
Celebrating these moments doesn’t require a formal award or big ceremony. A quick “well done” in a team chat, a shout-out in a meeting, or a personal note of recognition can make a huge difference. It signals to your team that their effort is seen and valued, and it encourages others to keep doing the right things.
Why it matters:
Momentum: Small wins give teams a sense of progress and control, especially when big projects feel overwhelming.
Engagement: People who feel recognised are more invested, more productive, and more loyal.
Culture: Spotting and celebrating effort, not just outcomes, reinforces a supportive and high-performing workplace culture.
Practical ways to celebrate small wins this week:
Start team meetings with a 2-minute “shout-out” segment for small successes.
Send a short, personalised message acknowledging a job well done.
Encourage team members to recognise each other’s contributions — peer recognition can be even more powerful.
Take a moment in one-on-one check-ins to highlight progress and effort, not just results.
As you wrap up projects and tackle end-of-year priorities, take the time to spot and celebrate the small wins. They might seem minor, but their impact is anything but. Over time, these micro-achievements compound into momentum that drives engagement, performance, and even happiness at work.
Remember … culture is built in the everyday moments.
Recognising small wins is one of the easiest — and most effective — ways to strengthen it.
It all sounds simple, but you would be surprised how often small wins are ignored, or go unnoticed.
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
Confucius
Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.
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lorraine@simpli-u.com.au
Lorraine Singer
Director & Consultant, Simpli-U | Recruitment Solutions for the Novated Leasing, Salary Packaging & Automotive sectors | Australia-wide | Solutions all about ‘U’ (Clients & Candidates)