When it comes to software development, bigger isn’t always better. Some of the most innovative and efficient teams aren’t large enterprises with hundreds of developers—they’re small, agile teams that know how to move fast, collaborate effectively, and focus on what truly matters.

At DevRoom, we believe that small teams can outshine larger ones when structured correctly. But why does this happen? And how can companies harness the power of small, focused teams to build great software?

The Advantages of Small Development Teams

1. Faster Decision-Making

Large teams often suffer from decision paralysis—too many opinions, too many approval layers, and too much bureaucracy. Small teams can move quickly because they communicate directly, cut through unnecessary meetings, and make decisions without waiting for endless approvals.

Take Basecamp, a company that deliberately keeps its team small. Their philosophy? Fewer people mean faster execution and less wasted effort on unnecessary complexity.

2. Better Communication and Collaboration

In large teams, messages get lost, misalignment happens, and meetings multiply. Small teams avoid this chaos by maintaining direct, efficient communication. Everyone knows what they’re working on, reducing confusion and the need for micromanagement.

Based on experience, we believe that teams of 5-7 people communicate most effectively, balancing collaboration without overwhelming information flow.

3. More Ownership, More Accountability

When teams are small, every member has a bigger role to play. Instead of passing the responsibility around, each person owns their work, ensuring high-quality output. This level of accountability leads to fewer mistakes, better problem-solving, and a sense of pride in the final product.

Netflix famously follows this model, empowering small teams to own projects end to end without unnecessary oversight.

How to Make Small Teams Work

If small teams are so powerful, why doesn’t every company use them? The key is structure. Here’s how to ensure a small team stays effective:

• Use the right tools – Async communication (like Slack and Notion) keeps collaboration smooth without unnecessary meetings.

• Adopt agile methodologies – Kanban boards, sprints, and clear priorities keep work structured and predictable.

• Encourage generalist skills – While specialists have their place, a small team benefits from developers who can wear multiple hats.

Why DevRoom Embraces Small, Focused Teams

At DevRoom, we deliberately keep our teams lean. It allows us to stay agile, make decisions quickly, and deliver high-quality software without unnecessary complexity. By prioritising clear communication, strong ownership, and smart collaboration, we ensure that every project runs efficiently—without the typical slowdowns of large teams.

Conclusion

Bigger teams don’t always mean better results. Small, focused teams can move faster, collaborate better, and take more ownership of their work, leading to higher-quality software and better outcomes. If your company is struggling with slow-moving development, the answer might not be hiring more people—it might be working smarter with a smaller, more efficient team.

Want to see how a lean, highly skilled team can make a difference in your project? Let’s talk. At DevRoom, we build software with the speed, focus, and quality that only small, agile teams can achieve.