Small Teams = Big Results: Two Pizza Rule

When it comes to business management, the phrase “less is more” has never been more accurate. In today’s fast-paced, competitive marketplace, companies that can move quickly and adapt to changing circumstances often come out on top. This is where small teams come into play. While the idea of smaller teams may seem counterintuitive – shouldn’t bigger teams lead to more efficiency? – it has been proven time and again that small teams, under the right conditions and with the right management, can achieve incredible results. This is where the Two Pizza Rule comes in.

What is the Two Pizza Rule?

The Two Pizza Rule, also known as the Amazon Rule, was coined by Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon. The rule is simple: in order to have a productive meeting, there should be no more people present than can be fed by two pizzas. In other words, if your team is larger than what can be comfortably fed by two pizzas, it might be time to consider dividing it into smaller, more manageable groups.

Why does the Two Pizza Rule work?

The Two Pizza Rule works for a variety of reasons. First, when teams are small, it’s easier for everyone to communicate and stay on the same page. There are fewer meetings, less bureaucracy, and fewer opportunities for miscommunication or delays. Additionally, smaller teams tend to be more agile and adaptable. They can make quick decisions and pivot, if necessary, without having to navigate a complex hierarchy of approvals and sign-offs. Finally, small teams tend to foster a greater sense of camaraderie and ownership. When everyone is working closely together, there’s a greater sense of accountability and shared purpose.

What are some benefits of the Two Pizza Rule?

The benefits of the Two Pizza Rule are numerous. Here are a few key advantages:

1. Increased productivity: Smaller teams are more productive because they spend less time in meetings and more time actually getting work done. In fact, a survey conducted by Atlassian found that 50% of employees feel that they waste between 1-2 hours each day on unnecessary meetings.
2. Improved communication: With fewer people involved, it’s easier for team members to stay on the same page and ensure that everyone is aligned with the goals and objectives of the project.
3. Greater agility: Smaller teams are more agile and can pivot more quickly when circumstances change. This means that they can respond faster to new opportunities or challenges.
4. A sense of ownership and accountability: When everyone is working closely together, there’s a greater sense of ownership and accountability. Each team member feels personally invested in the success of the project and is more likely to go above and beyond to ensure that it’s a success.
5. Enhanced creativity: Smaller teams tend to be more creative because there are fewer people involved in the decision-making process. This means that team members are more likely to feel empowered to express their ideas and opinions.

What are some examples of companies that use the Two Pizza Rule?

The Two Pizza Rule isn’t just a theoretical concept – it’s something that many successful companies have put into action. Here are a few examples:

1. Amazon: It’s no surprise that Amazon, the company that coined the Two Pizza Rule, swears by its effectiveness. Bezos himself has stated that, “If you can’t feed a team with two pizzas, it’s too large.”
2. Tesla: Tesla is known for its fast pace of innovation and agility, and part of this is due to the company’s dedication to small teams. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said that he prefers teams that are “small enough to be fed with two pizzas.”
3. Netflix: Netflix is another company that has embraced the Two Pizza Rule. The company’s former Chief Talent Officer, Patty McCord, has stated that, “Teams should be small enough to be fed by two pizzas, but once a team gets to a certain size, it’s hard to get everyone together or to make sure they’re all on the same page.”
4. GitHub: GitHub, the popular software development platform, has also experimented with small teams. The company has found that teams of 5-7 members are most effective and has used the Two Pizza Rule as a guideline for team size.
5. Zappos: Zappos, the online shoe and clothing retailer, has a unique take on the Two Pizza Rule. Instead of dividing teams based on size, the company encourages team members to sit together in assigned seating areas. This makes it easier for team members to communicate and collaborate effectively.

How to implement the Two Pizza Rule in your company?

Implementing the Two Pizza Rule in your own company may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Be mindful of team size: As you’re building teams, keep the Two Pizza Rule in mind. If you find that a team is getting too large, start thinking about ways to divide it into smaller, more manageable groups.
2. Invest in communication tools: When teams are small, communication becomes even more important. Make sure that your team has access to messaging and project management tools that facilitate communication and collaboration.
3. Encourage ownership and accountability: When teams are small, it’s easier for each team member to feel personally invested in the project. Encourage this sense of ownership and accountability by setting clear expectations and providing opportunities for team members to take ownership of different aspects of the project.
4. Foster a culture of innovation: Smaller teams tend to be more creative because there are fewer people involved in the decision-making process. Encourage this creativity by fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation.
5. Don’t be afraid to experiment: It’s okay to experiment with different team sizes and structures to see what works best for your organization. Use the Two Pizza Rule as a guideline, but don’t be afraid to deviate from it if you find that a different approach works better for your team.

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced, competitive marketplace, small teams are increasingly becoming the norm. The Two Pizza Rule – the idea that teams should be small enough to be fed by two pizzas – has become a popular way of ensuring that teams are lean, agile, and productive. By embracing the Two Pizza Rule, companies can reap a number of benefits, from increased productivity and improved communication to greater agility and enhanced creativity. So if you’re looking to boost your team’s efficiency and effectiveness, it might be time to consider adopting the Two Pizza Rule.