The “K-6 Rule”: Why Small Teams Win Big

Every growing organization eventually faces the same challenge: Teams expand, responsibilities increase, and coordination becomes harder. When that happens, the way we structure our teams becomes crucial. Without clear boundaries, teams can easily grow beyond a healthy size, and clarity starts to slip.

That’s where the K-6 Rule comes in.

Introducing the K-6 Rule

The idea is simple: Whether it’s a functional team or a project POD, keep it to a maximum of six people.

Six is small enough to stay agile and focused,

And big enough to deliver meaningful outcomes.

This applies in two important ways:

1. Leadership Teams

A leader should ideally manage a maximum of six direct reportees. Beyond that, coaching depth reduces, communication becomes heavier, and alignment gets diluted.

2. Project Execution (PODs)

Even in large projects, we don’t need one big group working together. Instead, we break the project into small PODs, each with up to six members. This keeps execution tighter, communication cleaner, and accountability stronger, no matter how big the project is.

Small teams → faster decisions → better ownership → stronger outcomes.

Why the K-6 Rule Became Important

For a long time, we have spoken about keeping teams small, usually 5 to 6 members. And we tried to follow it. Sometimes we executed it well. Sometimes we slipped.

Here’s the biggest learning: If a practice is not documented, it won’t survive.

Most of these discussions happened only at the leadership level. Without a written process, over time:

• People forget,
• Teams grow bigger than intended,
• The practice slowly fades away.

So this time, we decided to formalize it: ✔ Document it ✔ Announce it ✔ Add it to the company handbook ✔ Make it part of our operating rhythm

When a practice becomes a process, it becomes repeatable. When it becomes repeatable, it becomes culture.

This is not about enforcing everything overnight. It’s about giving the practice structure, clarity, and time to take shape.

Creating the Name: The K-6 Rule

Although we’ve always understood the value of lean teams, the idea of giving it a name came from the book Scaling Up, which talks about Amazon’s Two-Pizza Rule.

A simple, memorable concept, but powerful in execution.

I wanted something similar for Klizer. A name that:

• Reflects who we are,
• Is easy to remember,
• Clearly communicates the idea.

That’s how we arrived at “The K-6 Rule.”

“K” for Klizer. “6” for the ideal team size. Simple, unique, and meaningful.

Now the philosophy, the name, and the process are all in place. Everything is ready, now it’s time to execute.

Why Small Teams Win Big

1. Small Teams Move Faster

Large teams slow down decision-making. A 6-member team can align, decide, and act in the same day. Speed becomes natural.

2. Ownership Becomes Personal

In big teams, responsibility gets diluted. In small teams, every person’s contribution matters. Accountability becomes natural, not forced.

3. Communication Stays Clear

More people = more noise. Small teams keep communication focused, simple, and effective.

4. Leaders Stay Close to the Work

With six members, a leader can:

• Coach effectively
• Understand each person deeply
• Provide meaningful feedback
• Stay connected to execution

Leadership becomes hands-on and grounded.

5. Innovation Thrives in Tight Groups

Small teams experiment more, think better, and innovate faster. Most breakthrough ideas in tech came from compact, focused groups — not crowded teams.

The K-6 Rule at Klizer

This rule isn’t about limiting growth. It’s about structuring it.

Going forward:

• Leaders will manage a maximum of six direct members.
• Projects can be executed through multiple PODs, each capped at six members.
• Teams will have autonomy with clear outcomes.
• Leaders will focus on coaching instead of heavy coordination.

By documenting the K-6 Rule and adding it to our handbook, we ensure it becomes a sustainable part of how we operate — not just a one-time discussion.

Growth doesn’t come from adding more people. It comes from adding the right structure.

The K-6 Rule is our commitment to: ✔ Speed ✔ Ownership ✔ Alignment ✔ Innovation ✔ Stronger leadership

We’ve discussed it for years. We’ve executed it in parts. Now it’s documented, named, and made into a process.

Everything is set. Now it’s time to execute.