Why Smaller Teams are More Effective: The Power of Communication
Building effective and productive teams can be challenging, especially in large enterprises where teams often have between 10-20 members. However, research shows that smaller teams can be more effective than larger ones, particularly when it comes to communication. In this article, we'll explore why smaller teams are more effective, the downsides of adding more people to a team, and the importance of communication in team building.
The Communication Diagram
When you consider the communication diagram of a team, it becomes clear why having a large number of team members is not the most effective way to build an efficient and productive team. According to research by Hackman (1987), as team size increases, communication becomes more complex and less effective. In other words, as team size grows, communication breaks down, and productivity suffers.
Brooks' Law
In conjunction with Hackman's research, Brooks' Law states that "adding manpower to a late software project makes it later." This law illustrates that adding more people to a team can actually slow down productivity rather than speeding it up. This is because new team members require training, which takes time and resources away from other team members who are already capable of doing the work. Furthermore, dividing new tasks among team members can further complicate communication and delay the project even more.
The Complexity of Personality Styles
Another factor that can delay and complicate communication is personality styles. The DISC personality model categorizes individuals into four personality types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each personality type has different communication preferences and styles, which can create misunderstandings and conflicts within a team. Therefore, it's essential to understand and manage personality styles when building effective teams.
The Optimal Team Size
Research by Diamond and Allcorn (2009) suggests that the optimal team size is between five and nine members. In teams of this size, communication is efficient, and members are more likely to collaborate and contribute to the team's success. In contrast, larger teams can become unwieldy and difficult to manage, leading to delays, conflicts, and decreased productivity.
The Importance of Communication
Communication is essential in team building. Effective communication promotes collaboration, trust, and accountability. Team members who communicate openly and regularly are more likely to identify and solve problems quickly, leading to increased productivity and project success. However, effective communication requires more than just talking; it also involves active listening, empathy, and understanding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, smaller teams are more effective than larger ones, particularly when it comes to communication. Adding more people to a team can actually slow down productivity, delay projects, and complicate communication. To build effective and productive teams, it's essential to keep team size small, manage personality styles, and prioritize communication. By doing so, teams can collaborate efficiently and effectively, leading to increased productivity and project success.
Additional Resources
For more information on effective team building and communication, check out these helpful websites:
MindTools: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_86.htm
The Balance Careers: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/building-effective-teams-2275996
Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/topic/team-building