How Many Direct Reports Can You Really Manage?

It's a question that's plagued leaders for ages. But there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The truth is, it's more complex than just counting heads.

Science tells us that effectively managing a team depends on several factors:

Hands-on Work

⏩ How much of your time is spent doing tasks that your team members could be doing?

The more hands-on work you have, the less time you have for managing and coaching your team. This means you might need a smaller team size.

Cross-Organisational Collaboration

⏩ How often do you need to work with other teams?

Frequent collaboration takes time and energy. If you're constantly in meetings with other departments, it can take away from your ability to connect with your direct reports. In these cases, a smaller team might be more manageable.

Extra Activities

⏩ Are you juggling projects or responsibilities outside of your core team management duties?

Extra commitments can further strain your time and focus. If you have a lot on your plate beyond your team, consider a leaner team size.

Learning and Development

⏩ How much ongoing learning is required for your role and your team's roles?

If you and your team need to constantly stay up-to-date on new skills and knowledge, this requires additional time and focus. A smaller team might be more manageable in such situations.

These factors combined will give you a clearer picture of your management capacity. By understanding these demands on your time, you can make informed decisions about the ideal size of your team.

Want to know your ideal team size?

I've created a FREE online tool to help you figure it out.

✨ Check it out here: https://www.directreportscalculator.com

Resources:
https://hbr.org/2012/04/how-many-direct-reports
https://www.inc-aus.com/jim-schleckser/how-many-direct-reports-should-you-have.html
https://youtu.be/8Pfa8kPjUio?si=wuR9iJXhIRqfTQUe&t=650