In today’s fast-paced work environment, many professionals find themselves operating as a “team of one.” This concept refers to individuals who are solely responsible for an entire function within a business or organization, such as a solo marketer, HR professional, IT expert, or content creator.

As an entrepreneur and founder, I have often been in the situation of being a team of one or having a portfolio career. It is a common situation for founders of start-ups and for those seeking new opportunities or just a better work-life balance. But, as with any situation, being a team of one has its own risks.

While this role does come with a unique set of challenges, it also presents opportunities for growth and autonomy. Therefore, in this article, I will share more of what it means to be a “team of one,” along with some advantages, disadvantages, and practical tips to thrive in this role.

What Is a “Team of One”?

A “team of one” refers to an individual who single-handedly manages a specific department or function within an organization. Unlike traditional teams where responsibilities are distributed, a solo professional must handle multiple aspects of their role independently. This could include strategy, execution, and even administrative tasks, making the job highly demanding but also rewarding for those who enjoy autonomy and variety.

Who Operates as a Team of One?

Many new businesses have been built using an employment model that encourages solo operators. Gig-economy companies, such as Uber or AirBnB use this model, building their workforce through individuals. But it is also nothing new. Many tradespeople will be very familiar with working alone. Work agencies in various sectors expect the same. Professionals in the creative industries, such as actors and photographers, or in broader service-related roles, such as web designers and consultants, are often self-employed but may receive work through a third-party organisation.

As I alluded to, being a team of one is also nothing new for people who want to start businesses. Entrepreneurs often start as solopreneurs, and founders of large businesses often begin with an employment roster of one.

Common Roles That Operate as a “Team of One”

Here are a few more examples of roles that are increasingly being done by teams of one:

• Marketing: A solo marketer is responsible for everything from content creation and social media management to SEO and paid advertising.
• Human Resources: A single HR professional might oversee recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, and compliance.
• IT Support: An IT specialist in a small company may manage software updates, troubleshoot tech issues, and ensure cybersecurity.
• Finance: A solo accountant or finance officer handles budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Customer Service: A one-person customer service team deals with inquiries, complaints, and customer satisfaction initiatives.

Advantages of Being a “Team of One”

There are good and bad things about working alone. Here are some of the major ones:

1. Autonomy and Decision-Making Power

One of the biggest benefits of being a solo professional is the ability to make decisions without bureaucratic delays. Since there is no need for extensive approvals, tasks can be completed more efficiently.

I want autonomy in my work, which is one reason why I find this model attractive, but it is not for everyone. Autonomy, particularly as an entrepreneur, is often a trade-off with the certainty you get in a contracted job.

2. Skill Development and Versatility

Handling multiple responsibilities enables individuals to develop a diverse skill set. A marketing professional, for example, may gain expertise in SEO, content writing, and social media management all at once.

This is another attraction for me at the personal level. I love learning, and so I get a continual buzz from facing challenges and picking up the skills to overcome them. The watch out is that sometimes if you want to progress, it is better to outsource and delegate some tasks rather than take the time to learn something new. It’s a balance.

3. Clear Accountability

Since one person is responsible for the entire function, there is no ambiguity regarding accountability. Successes and failures are clearly attributed, allowing for personal growth and recognition.

This it true to a point. When accountable to yourself, it means you also have to be brutally honest with yourself. If you are don’t truly recognise your weaknesses and failings you will struggle to find success. This is why, when working on your own, it is vitally important to get feedback and advice from external sources.

4. Stronger Problem-Solving Abilities

Being a “team of one” often means facing unique challenges. Over time, individuals develop strong problem-solving skills as they learn to navigate obstacles independently.

Again, as with decision-making, this is true to a point. As per the points above, I relish a challenge and the autonomy to learn and overcome problems, but some issues, such as highly complex problems, are best solved by having diverse inputs and perspectives.

5. Flexibility in Work Approach

Without the need to align with a team, solo professionals can structure their workflow in a way that suits them best. Whether it’s prioritizing certain tasks over others or experimenting with new approaches, flexibility is a significant advantage.

Flexibility is another big win for me, which is linked to autonomy. But as with autonomy, there is a flip-side. Operating alone often means piecing together bits of work and to maintain cashflow you often can’t easily say no to work, even when it comes at a bad time.

Disadvantages of Being a “Team of One”

1. Workload Overload and Burnout Risk

Juggling multiple responsibilities can lead to burnout, especially when work-life balance is compromised. Without a team to share the workload, deadlines and expectations can become overwhelming.

I have burnt out and it is not fun at all! When working alone it is especially important to develop a good balance in life, beyond just work-life balance.

2. Limited Collaboration and Support

Lack of team support can make decision-making difficult, especially when faced with complex challenges. Solo professionals may feel isolated without colleagues to brainstorm or share ideas with.

You can overcome this problem by calling on other people to help with particularly challenges. Building a good personal network helps to achieve this, so you can get the right support at the right time.

3. Restricted Growth Opportunities

In larger teams, mentorship and training are often available to help employees develop their skills. As a “team of one,” finding professional growth opportunities can be more challenging without direct colleagues to learn from.

When working alone I address this by actively seeking out coaches, mentors and training opportunities. Accountability is one of the pluses of being a team of one but that includes being accountable for your own development.

4. Increased Pressure and Accountability

While clear accountability can be a benefit, it also adds pressure. Any mistakes made fall solely on the individual’s shoulders, leading to increased stress.

Working alone can be just as emotional as working in a large team. Emotional regulation skills and the ability to manage stress (for example using breathing techniques) are even more vital when there is no one immediately on hand to support you.

5. Skill Gaps and Knowledge Constraints

No one can be an expert in everything. Being responsible for an entire function may lead to gaps in knowledge or expertise, requiring ongoing learning and adaptation.

I am a planner and I like to be objective about skills and personal development. That is why I use tools such as the Five Level Leadership Skill framework to help identify gaps and then overcome them.

Tips to Succeed as a “Team of One”

So, if you choose to be a team of one (or find yourself thrust into that situation), here are some top tips to succeed in this role:

1. Prioritize and Manage Your Workload Effectively

Time management is crucial when handling multiple tasks. Use productivity tools such as Trello, Asana, or Notion to organize tasks and set priorities.

I am wedded to my diary. I use a Mac and build my life around my calendar. It is colour-coded for different aspects of work and life, and I carefully construct my days, weeks and months, blocking out time for priority tasks. For example, my most productive time is my mornings, so I set aside time most days to do my most important thinking and creative work. I use my afternoons for meetings and activities less taxing to my pre-frontal cortex.

2. Automate and Streamline Processes

Leverage automation to save time on repetitive tasks. Tools like Hootsuite for social media scheduling, Zapier for workflow automation, and Grammarly for content editing can significantly enhance efficiency.

With the advent of AI there are a host of tools that can help you. You can effectively build a virtual team of bots! If you want to get an idea of the array of apps available then check out Poe.com.

3. Outsource When Necessary

If the workload becomes unmanageable, consider outsourcing certain tasks. Freelancers or virtual assistants can help with administrative work, content creation, or technical support.

There is always a cost-benefit balance to be made when choosing to either do something yourself or delegate work. But there is also an opportunity to build your network through getting help. And, this is often how teams develop and become businesses!

4. Seek Continuous Learning and Professional Development

Since a “team of one” must be adaptable, continuous learning is essential. Online courses, webinars, and industry conferences can help stay updated with the latest trends and best practices.

The pursuit of my own personal development was the genesis of creating The Right Questions website as I wanted to share my learnings with others. This is also why I developed online leadership courses to help people in similar positions.

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5. Build a Strong Network and Seek External Support

Being a solo professional doesn’t mean working in isolation. Engage with industry peers through LinkedIn groups, professional associations, and networking events to exchange ideas and gain insights.

I have found that some key roles need to be filled if you want a really good network. You can find out more in my article on How to Create a Powerful Personal Network.

6. Set Clear Boundaries to Prevent Burnout

Balancing work and personal life is essential for long-term success. Set clear working hours and avoid overextending yourself to maintain productivity and well-being.

I learned the hard way but you don’t need to. You can read my story and my method for maintaining good work-life balance in How to Maintain Balance in Life and Ensure Success.

7. Use Data and Metrics to Justify Decisions

In the absence of a team, proving the value of your work becomes crucial. Use data analytics to track performance and demonstrate results to stakeholders.

Most apps now have some sort of analytics built in. It is worth understanding and leveraging them to help you see how and where you can improve. For example, even with just my website, I have access to data from WordPress, Google, YouTube and Semrush, all of which provide invaluable feedback.

8. Communicate Effectively with Stakeholders

Since there is no team to share responsibilities, keeping stakeholders informed is essential. Regular updates and reports can help manage expectations and ensure alignment with company goals.

As an introvert, this is not something I always do naturally. And, as with anything you don’t do naturally, you can build a habit or business process to help you. For example, I put regular markers in my diary as a prompt to reach out to people.

9. Embrace a Growth Mindset

Being a “team of one” is a learning experience that requires adaptability. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and continuously strive for improvement.

The world is changing so fast now, that a growth mindset is not just useful, it is essential. We are all likely to face multiple changes in our lives and work, and we will have to see the opportunities in the disruption and learn to experiment. It is all part of the learning cycle.

Embracing Being a Team of One

Being a “team of one” is a unique and demanding role that requires resilience, self-discipline, and a proactive approach. While the challenges can be significant, the opportunities for autonomy, skill development, and career growth make it a rewarding experience. By leveraging effective time management, automation, and networking, solo professionals can maximize their impact and thrive in their roles. Whether you’re currently working as a “team of one” or considering stepping into such a role, applying these strategies will help you succeed in this dynamic and ever-evolving work environment.

For many people good coffee is a daily accompaniment to their work. For those working on the move – be they freelancers, the self-employed or people on business trips – finding free Wi-Fi hotspots and working from cafes is something of a fine art. Here are some of the ups and downs of working out of coffeehouses.

The advantages:

Work where you want, when you want

Working from cafés gives you real flexibility. It allows you to work near to wherever you need to be. For most people that means being able to work conveniently beyond home and the office. But some business people have taken this to an extreme, working remotely from almost any part of the globe, no matter what the time-zone, and combining the lifestyle they want with earning good money (read Tim Ferris’ The Four Hour Workweek). It is now possible to fund your world travels by working online rather than picking up casual jobs in bars and shops. It also provides the chance to earn a lot more and not have to put your career on hold while you move about.

Smart financial sense for small businesses

Even if you buy several drinks during the course of the day this expense is still likely to be a lot less than hiring your own office space. In major cities even co-working spaces do not come cheap and many small businesses – and especially freelancers – use cafés to work from as a way of reducing overheads.

Meeting interesting people

You may not have your own colleagues around but working on the move gives the opportunity to combat the loneliness of working alone. You can also meet new people, gain experience from outside your industry and even pick up business if you choose to be outgoing. To get the most out of this part of mobile working you do have to become comfortable with starting conversations. If you are self employed you should see this as a vital skill; being able to talk to others about what you do is essential if you want to win new business. So why not practise your small talk and elevator pitch in a relaxed atmosphere over a coffee! If you are stuck for how to start a conversation sit by any power socket in the coffee shop and you will soon meet another fellow worker.

The disadvantages:

A hot-desk is usually a small desk

If you are working on the move you cannot necessarily guarantee your own ‘desk’ and whatever space you get is likely to be limited. It is hard to lug around large screens, printers and other tools that you might require so you have to plan your work differently knowing that these things are not on tap. Batch your work so you have everything you need to do the tasks at hand; this will help you be more productive too.

Hit and miss connectivity

It is hard to get much done these days unless you can connect to the Internet. Finding reliable, fast and free Wi-Fi is getting easier but still requires some hunting around. Most of the large coffee and food chains now provide some sort of Wi-Fi provision so they provide a good back up if you cannot find a smaller, more interesting café to set up shop. There are also an increasing number of sites you can use to find good cafés with free Wi-Fi so you can get the Internet on the move.

The challenge of productivity

Working from home, especially if you do not have dedicated office space, is full of all sorts of distractions but working out of a café can also have its challenges. It takes a lot of self-discipline to get down to work on time if there is no boss checking the clock and it is easier to succumb to the temptation to surf the Internet rather than do what you need to do when you have no colleagues looking over your shoulder. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve at the beginning of each day. This is true in any workplace but you will especially need this focus if you want to be productive while working on the move.

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