I am a team leader, and would like to know what is the recommended size for a team?

Question

I work in an office and currently have a team of 16 - this feels too large, and would be interested to know if there is a 'best size' for teams?

Answer 1

6 people is the ideal size for a team. Anything over and you need at least 2 deputy team leaders capable of helping you out as you can;t have the proper personal input you need and people start to feel abandoned and unrest comes in.

Answer 2

Ideally about 10, but it really depends on what sort of work you do. How much attention the team needs from you as a manager? Is there, for example a Team Coach role that can lend you some support? Different companies work differently! Sorry not to be more specific, but these and other factors are quite variable!

Answer 3

I am a team leader at my office too. I handle and support a group of ten people. This is very doable and everyone seems to feel equal. I know everyone in the team well too so this seems to be a good number. Not too many, not too few. I guess that's why so many people buy plates in groups of ten :)

Answer 4

Watch a football match and you will see.

Seriously though, it depends on what the task is. If its a large task that can be broken down into smaller tasks, it can often be more productive to split the team into smaller teams as long as you give them specifit tasks and allocate the staff according to what speciality each staff member has.

Answer 5

I was a team leader over 14 engineering craftsmen and would say it depends on your people and their level of ability and self motivation. If you want them to have control over their daily responsibilities you have to be strong enough to stand back and let them do it. If you micro manage it makes it harder with a larger team.

Answer 6

I have 50+ in my team, try delegating, it works wonders.

Answer 7

Depends on your education, experience and trainning.

Answer 8

There is no 'I' in team

Answer 9

One? Just you? Now wouldn't that be heaven?