Break teams into small groups: Try Two Pizza Rule

Introduction

Team meetings can be overwhelming. Especially in large groups, it can be difficult to keep everyone engaged, focused, and on-task. For years, managers have tried various tactics to try and combat this problem, from setting strict agendas to using incentives to motivate employees. But what if there was a simpler, more effective solution? Enter the Two Pizza Rule. This rule, coined by Jeff Bezos, suggests that teams should be small enough to be fed with just two pizzas. In this article, we’ll explore what the Two Pizza Rule is, how it can benefit your team, and how to implement it effectively.

What is the Two Pizza Rule?

The Two Pizza Rule is a concept introduced by Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon. According to Bezos, teams should be small enough to be fed with only two pizzas. In other words, if a team is larger than what two pizzas can feed, then it’s too big. Bezos’ rationale behind this is that a team of this size is large enough to get things done, but small enough to remain focused, engaged, and agile. Large teams, on the other hand, tend to be bogged down by bureaucracy and politics, and can struggle to make progress.

Benefits of Breaking Teams into Small Groups

There are several benefits of breaking teams into smaller groups, including:

• Increased Productivity
• Improved Communication
• Higher Engagement
• Increased Accountability

Increased Productivity

Smaller teams tend to be more productive than larger ones. This is largely because they can remain much more focused on their objectives. With fewer people involved in the decision-making process, teams can make decisions more quickly, with less bureaucracy and politics getting in the way. This means faster progress, and ultimately, more productivity.

Improved Communication

In large teams, communication can become difficult. With so many people involved, it can be hard to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Smaller teams tend to have better communication, as they can work more closely together and are more likely to be on the same page. They can also ensure that everyone is heard and has a chance to contribute to the discussion.

Higher Engagement

People tend to be more engaged when they are part of a smaller team. They feel that their contributions are more valued, and they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership towards the project at hand. This can lead to better work and a higher level of job satisfaction.

Increased Accountability

In smaller teams, everyone is accountable for their actions. With fewer people, it’s more difficult to hide behind others, so everyone must contribute and take responsibility for their work. This means higher quality work, as everyone is working to the best of their ability.

How to Implement the Two Pizza Rule

Implementing the Two Pizza Rule isn’t as simple as just dividing your team in half. Here are some tips on how to effectively implement this rule:

• Assess Your Team
• Be Flexible
• Communicate with Your Team
• Set Clear Objectives
• Use Technology

Assess Your Team

Before implementing the Two Pizza Rule, take the time to assess your team. Ask yourself: What are our objectives? What are the strengths and weaknesses of our current team? Who are the key players? By doing this, you can better understand what the ideal team size might be.

Be Flexible

The Two Pizza Rule is a guideline, not a hard-and-fast rule. You may find that your team needs to be a little larger or smaller than what two pizzas can feed. It’s important to be flexible and adjust the size of your team as needed.

Communicate with Your Team

If you’re planning to make changes to your team, it’s important to communicate this with them. Explain why you’re making these changes and how you think they will benefit the team. Make sure that everyone has a chance to voice their thoughts and provide feedback.

Set Clear Objectives

It’s important to set clear objectives for your team. Make sure that everyone understands what they are working towards and what their role is in achieving those objectives. This will help keep everyone focused and engaged.

Use Technology

Working in smaller teams can be challenging when it comes to communication. This is where technology can help. Consider using tools like Slack, Asana, or Trello to help you stay connected and on-task.

Conclusion

The Two Pizza Rule is a simple yet effective way to break teams into smaller groups. By doing so, teams can become more productive, improve communication, increase engagement, and become more accountable. If you’re struggling to keep your team on-task and focused, consider implementing the Two Pizza Rule. With a little planning and flexibility, you can start reaping the benefits of working in smaller teams.