Over many years of delivering consultancy to businesses of all shapes and sizes, we’ve seen hundreds of businesses succeed, hit their goals and thrive! These businesses have differed greatly in regards to the scale of their teams; from modest, efficient operations made up of only a handful of members, to huge enterprises in which hundreds of people make up a well-oiled machine. In this blog, we’ll be helping you to understand an age-old question; does team size really matter for business growth?
Like with most things, there are pros and cons to both options and there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to teams. As a business leader, taking the time to understand what the best fit for your business is, is imperative to its growth. Well-formed teams are absolutely vital – they’re the very heartbeat of a company. However, we understand that establishing a team that fits well, gels together and is cohesive, is no mean feat.
Large Teams
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to categorising what makes a business large or what makes a business small. Therefore, our definition of what makes up a large team typically consists of businesses with approximately 20 staff or more. A team of this size will tend to be better at completing complex tasks more efficiently than smaller teams. The ability to ‘divide and conquer’ is much greater and the typical skillset within a large team tends to be far broader; ultimately, there’s a part that every member can play that’s realistic and manageable to achieve the wider business goals. That being said, when multiple members of staff are all contributing to the same objective, there is a risk of disruption. Conflict is entirely possible and effectiveness can be diminished and control can even be lost. As a result, whilst a larger team can seem like an instant win, it takes much more consideration than its smaller counterpart, to balance multiple personalities, ensure moral is positive and to see progress.
Smaller Teams
We consider a smaller team to be circa 3-10 members. In our experience of working with smaller teams, individuals have multiple dedicated tasks in which they need to complete and coordination between colleagues is strong, because there really is no room for error! This can be one of a smaller teams’ best attributes. Combined with the fact that the overall cost burden is much less and the HR related issues are typically fewer and further between. However, none of this changes that fact that with a smaller team, comes a smaller pool of resources, a lower level of experience, fewer skills, and less time.
The question of whether team size matters for business growth doesn’t have a simple answer. Both small and large teams come with unique advantages and challenges that can significantly impact success. Smaller teams offer agility and cohesion, whilst larger teams provide a broader skill set and the ability to tackle larger and intricate projects. Ultimately, the key lies in finding the right balance that aligns with your business goals and culture. If you're navigating these considerations and seeking support in building a team that thrives, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the business mentoring team at RBC for personalised guidance and strategies tailored to your needs. Together, we can unlock the potential of your business, no matter its size!