Is bigger really better?

When it comes to work teams…not so much. This Forbes.com article presents a wealth of research which suggests that smaller teams are better than larger ones when it comes to:

• Engagement. 42% of employees working at companies with 10 or fewer employees were engaged at work, compared with just 30% of employees at larger companies.
• Effort. As team size increases, individual effort decreases (mostly because people believe they don’t need to work as hard when others can “pick up the slack”).
• Problem-solving. One study showed that teams comprised of two people accomplished a task in an average of 36 minutes, while teams of four finished in an average of 56 minutes.

These findings make sense. With less bureaucracy and fewer opportunities to slack off, small teams have clear advantages over large ones. Small size, however, doesn’t guarantee efficiency; it takes discipline, good work habits and smart management to get the most from team members.

Need a few ideas to get you started? Try these tips for supercharging small-team efficiency:

Set clear team goals.

Do more than just send an email with a list of objectives. Assemble your team in a single room (use videoconferencing technology for remote team members) and get everyone square on what you’re trying to accomplish. Make sure that each member understands their role and buys into the shared goals.

Build trust.

Trustfulness and trustworthiness can only exist if managers like you set the example – and then foster trust internally. Be transparent. Treat team members like partners. Share your mission and values. Do what’s right for your team, and your team will give their best effort for you.

Empower team members.

Provide the tools, training, guidelines and resources employees need to do an amazing job for you. Then let go of the reins. Give employees the autonomy and authority to accomplish their work free from micromanagement – and their productivity and motivation will soar.

Limit meetings.

Require individuals who want to schedule meetings to submit a valid purpose and agenda before putting one on the books. Keep team meetings short and intimate, supplementing them with informal check-ins to see how individuals are progressing.

Help individuals use time effectively.

From productivity apps to email hacks, share efficiency tips that will help team members work at peak productivity. Give them the permission and ability to plan uninterrupted time for focus work, so they can accomplish critical activities free from disruption.

Build more efficient work teams by choosing the right staffing partner.

With a national presence, and a full complement of staffing and placement services, Exact Staff can rapidly deliver exceptional people to build your core team. Improve efficiency. And seamlessly flex your workforce to match changing demands.

What can we do for you?

Contact a staffing expert at your local Exact Staff office today.