The Size of the Team Doesn't Matter, But the Strategy Does: Lessons from My Mom

"What's the largest team you've ever handled?"

This is the dreaded question I often get asked in interviews and casual conversations. As someone who believes in the power of small, effective teams, I always find this question hilariously insightful. It’s like asking, “How big is your toolbox?” when the real question should be, “Do you know how to use those tools?”

The Myth of the Large Team

Let’s be real: big teams sound impressive. They evoke images of bustling offices, endless meetings, and the sheer might of numbers. But here's the twist—managing a large team is often like herding cats. Ever tried to get a dozen people to agree on a pizza topping? Now imagine that chaos on a corporate scale.

Small Teams, Big Impact

In contrast, small teams are like a SWAT unit—focused, efficient, and deadly effective. My mother, a sage in her own right, once told me, “A small, well-knit team with a clear strategy can move mountains.” She didn’t mean this literally (we were not a family of miners), but the wisdom stuck with me.

The Secret Sauce: Strategy

So, what’s my answer when people ask about the largest team I’ve handled? I tell them, with a straight face and a hint of a smirk, “I prefer small teams.” Here’s why:

1. Alignment and Focus: Small teams are easier to align with a common vision and goal. Less time is spent on endless debates and more on executing the plan.
2. Agility: In a small team, decisions are made quickly. There's no bureaucracy to wade through. We adapt, improvise, and overcome challenges faster than a larger group ever could.
3. Accountability: It’s harder to hide in a small team. Each member’s contribution is visible, ensuring higher accountability and ownership.
4. Communication: With fewer people, communication is direct and efficient. There’s less room for misunderstandings, and feedback loops are tighter.

Case in Point

Take my recent project, for example. With a team of just five incredibly talented individuals, we managed to outshine a competitor who had a team three times our size. How? Strategy, plain and simple. We had a clear goal, a roadmap to get there, and everyone knew their role.

Why Size Doesn’t Matter

Ultimately, the size of the team is irrelevant if the strategy is flawed. A large team with a poor strategy is just a large collection of confused individuals. But a small team with a solid plan? That’s a force to be reckoned with.

The Real Question

Next time someone asks about the size of my team, I might just flip the script. I’ll say, “The size of the team doesn’t matter. The real question is: How effective was the team?” Because, in the end, it’s not the number of people on the team that determines success, but the quality of the strategy and the dedication of its members.

The Mom Wisdom

So, here’s to small teams and big strategies! And a special shoutout to my mom, whose timeless advice proves that sometimes, the best business strategies come not from textbooks, but from the kitchen table.

Remember, folks, it’s not the size of the team in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the team. And if your strategy is sound, you can conquer the world with just a handful of dedicated warriors.

And hey, if you ever need a pizza topping consensus, just let me know. I’ve got that down to a science.

Disclaimer

Please don't share this article—my mom's wisdom is a family secret! And besides, these insights might just send your management team into a spiral of depression when they realize size isn't everything. ????????????