The OP talks about the trap of the small task, where he put off doing something that should have been menial for so long, that when something small went wrong, it's effect was disproportionate. There is also the danger of focusing only on the small tasks, and take much pride in ticking off a huge to-do list. Perhaps it could be better to step back and think of a more efficient way that would reduce the amount of work required. It may not feel like it, but you are being more productive.

This is a great post, and I (like many others here) wish I had considered this when I first started off. I think improving personal productivity is a force multiplier. If you are more productive, you can help your team members to be more productive. You could roll your sleeves up and tackle the "grinding" task that is stopping everybody else from progressing.