Get More Done: Two Pizza Rule Works

Introduction:

Productivity is a buzzword that is on every business leader’s mind these days. With the increased pace of life and work, people are constantly looking for ways to save time, get more done in less time and achieve better results. And while there are countless productivity techniques and tips out there, most of them are not actionable or practical. However, one approach that seems to work for many businesses is the “Two Pizza Rule.”

The Two Pizza Rule, coined by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, states that a team should not be larger than what two pizzas can feed. In other words, a team should consist of no more than eight members. The principle behind this concept is to keep team size small enough so that everyone can work together effectively and communicate easily while avoiding the pitfalls of larger teams, such as confusion, bureaucracy, and inefficiency.

In this article, we’ll discuss the Two Pizza Rule in detail and why it works, along with some practical examples of how you can apply it to your business to get more done.

Why the Two Pizza Rule Works:

1. Smaller teams are more efficient:

One of the primary benefits of smaller teams is that they are more efficient than larger teams. When you have a small team, you can communicate more easily, make decisions faster, and assign tasks more effectively. This is because there are fewer people involved in the decision-making process, so everyone knows what they need to do, and their roles are clearer.

2. Better communication:

Effective communication is the key to the success of any team, big or small. Smaller teams have a distinct advantage when it comes to communication since they are more intimate and personal. Team members can discuss ideas and plans openly and freely, without feeling overwhelmed or drowned out by other voices. This open communication results in better ideas and problem-solving.

3. More accountability:

In smaller teams, every member has a more significant impact on the team’s success or failure. This dynamic means that every member is more accountable for their individual performance, which improves collective performance. Team members recognize they are not just a small part of a team but an essential contributor and thus perform to the best of their ability.

4. Focused collaboration:

Smaller teams are also more effective at collaborating due to their size. Team members can easily share information, ideas, and feedback with each other, focus on delivering results, and prioritize tasks. The collaboration produces better outcomes, as everyone is capable of coordinating and optimizing their efforts efficiently.

Application of the Two Pizza Rule:

Now that we know why the Two Pizza Rule works, the question becomes how to apply it in your business. Here are some practical examples to help you implement it.

1. Breaking Down Larger Teams:

If you’re currently in charge of a team that’s too large, start by breaking it down into smaller groups that fit the Two Pizza Rule. Not only will this improve the team’s efficiency and communication, but it will also give each member a sense of importance and accountability in the team.

2. Hiring New Team Members:

The next time you’re looking to hire new team members, consider limiting the team’s size by applying the Two Pizza Rule. Once your team has the right people with the right skill set, skill level, and fit, a smaller team will make it easier for everyone to work together effectively.

3. Goal Setting for Small Teams:

Once you have smaller teams in place, leverage their size by setting goals that align with their size. Smaller teams can achieve more significant progress in shorter periods of time, but only when they have achievable goals to strive toward. Set attainable goals, and keep the team members focused and informed to stay on track.

4. Encourage Better Problem-Solving & Collaboration:

The Two Pizza Rule is incredibly effective when it comes to encouraging effective problem-solving and collaboration. Encourage your teams to take responsibility, identify problems, gather feedback, and work to develop actionable solutions. Encourage candid and open sharing of opinions and ideas to gather different perspectives. This, in turn, enables the team members to focus on the solution, make quicker decisions, implement it, and achieve progress.

5. Develop Clear Communication Channels:

The smaller the team, the easier it is for everyone to communicate. But to make communication efficient, create clear communication channels. Make it easy for team members to ask questions and share information on the progress of tasks or projects regularly. Ensure that team members are giving and receiving feedback regularly and that goals are clearly communicated and achievable.

Conclusion:

The Two Pizza Rule has proven to be an effective productivity tool used in Amazon and many other businesses worldwide. The concept works by keeping teams small enough so that everyone can communicate and work together effectively, improving efficiency, accountability, problem-solving, and collaboration. By following the practical examples discussed in this article, you can apply this rule to your business and begin the process of improving your team’s productivity. Use the Two Pizza Rule, and see the difference it makes in your overall productivity.