Every manager or supervisor knows what it feels like to juggle daily tasks while aiming for long-term success. Sometimes, it seems like the big wins are out of reach, and you’re stuck handling the routine. But here’s a secret: starting small doesn’t mean playing small. You can make an impact no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
Just take a look at Henry Sy, who built a business empire from a small shoe store, or Go A-in from The Agency, a character who rose from the ranks to become a top advertising executive. Both of them started small but played big every step of the way. And so can you.
Go A-in: Rising from the Ranks by Playing Big
In The Agency, Go A-in didn’t start at the top. She began in a modest role and climbed her way up to become a key player in a highly competitive advertising world.
What made her different? She didn’t wait for a big opportunity to prove herself. Go A-in approached every task—no matter how small—with the mindset of a leader. She listened carefully, solved problems before they grew, and made herself indispensable to her team and clients.
Go A-in didn’t get promoted because she was lucky; she earned it by consistently playing big, even when her role was small. She showed that you can start anywhere and still make a significant impact.
Henry Sy: Building an Empire from Humble Beginnings
We all know SM Malls, but Henry Sy didn’t start there. He began with a small shoe store in Quiapo, selling shoes one pair at a time. But from day one, Henry Sy wasn’t just thinking about shoes—he was thinking about the future. He focused on building relationships with his customers, providing them with excellent service, and reinvesting in his business.
Eventually, that shoe store grew into SM, a giant in retail, banking, and real estate. Henry Sy played big from the start, even when his resources were small. His mindset was always on long-term growth, and that’s what set him apart.
Read: Inspired by Henry Sy
Play Big in Every Role
Whether you’re managing a team, leading a project, or handling everyday tasks, you can start playing big right now. It’s not about waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect role—it’s about making the most of what’s in front of you.
Here’s how you can apply these lessons in your work:
- Approach Every Task Like It’s Big: Whether you’re preparing a report, leading a team meeting, or overseeing a small project, treat it like it matters. Excellence in small tasks builds trust and opens the door for bigger opportunities.
- Invest in Long-Term Success: Like Henry Sy, think beyond today’s tasks. What can you do now to improve your team’s performance or solve potential issues in the future? Small, strategic moves can set you up for long-term success.
- Rise to Every Occasion: Like Go A-in, don’t wait for someone to give you a bigger role or more responsibility. Create opportunities by showing initiative, solving problems, and delivering results. This is how you build your reputation as a leader.
Success with a Small Project
Take Maria, a product manager in a tech company. She was assigned a small project to develop a feature for an app—nothing major. But instead of treating it like just another task, Maria played big. She talked to users, worked closely with developers, and ensured her feature aligned with broader company goals.
In the end, that “small” feature increased user engagement by 15%, turning a simple project into a key success for the company. Maria’s approach—playing big even in a small role—earned her recognition and set her up for larger responsibilities.
What You Can Do Right Now
Here’s the key to starting small but playing big: don’t wait for permission to make an impact. You can create change in any role or task you’re given. Here’s how:
- Be Proactive: Like Go A-in, don’t sit back and wait for someone to notice you. Anticipate problems, offer solutions, and go the extra mile in your tasks.
- Think Long-Term: Like Henry Sy, don’t just focus on today’s results. Think about how your actions today can help your team or company succeed tomorrow.
- Bring Your Best to Every Task: Whether it’s a small project or a routine task, give it your best effort. Consistently delivering high-quality work will set you apart and open doors to bigger opportunities.
Play Big No Matter Where You Start
Starting small doesn’t mean you’re stuck playing small. Henry Sy built his empire from a tiny shoe store. Go A-in rose from the ranks by playing big in every role. And Maria turned a small project into a major success by treating it with importance.
You have the power to make an impact, no matter where you are or what you’re working on. So, what will you do today to play big? Because the size of the role doesn’t matter—what matters is how you approach it.
Start small, but always play big. The results will follow.
