teamdecoder for StartUps & Small Teams

3 min. readlast update: 11.15.2023

In the early stages, startups typically comprise small, dynamic teams. However, it's crucial for these teams to prepare for significant growth and changes. This preparation involves establishing a flexible structure capable of integrating additional members smoothly. Often, existing team members juggle multiple roles, covering a wide range of tasks. Yet, there are always additional, potentially beneficial tasks that remain unaddressed, primarily due to the limitations of time and personnel in these nascent teams.

Even in a small team of just three or five members, the workload can be extensive. For instance, the Founder often wears multiple hats, simultaneously acting as the CEO, CFO, and possibly even the CMO. Another team member might handle the technical aspects alongside various other responsibilities. Additionally, you might collaborate with a couple of freelancers. In such a dynamic phase, teamdecoder can provide invaluable support by:

  1. Clarifying current roles: Identifying who is responsible for what.
  2. Planning for future expansion: Determining which roles will be needed and can be filled later.
  3. Structuring freelance involvement: Establishing clear guidelines and expectations for freelancers.
  4. Preparing for new hires: Helping you create detailed profiles for future team members.

Get Started

StartUps & Small Teams can find our special and affordable offers at any time at http://pricing.teamdecoder.com 

Consider this scenario of a startup team utilizing teamdecoder:

Key Guidelines:

  1. Distinct Role Definition: Assign each role separately, then allocate them among current team members.
  2. Future Role Tagging: Label roles intended for future hires with a specific tag, such as 'Maybe in the Future' (refer to the upcoming screenshot for an example).
  3. Task Ownership: Identify tasks that cannot be currently addressed by the team. These should be listed for future recruitment and marked with 'NO' for 'No Owner' (illustrated in the SKILLS list in the following screenshot).

By following these strategies, startups can effectively organize their current team structure while preparing for future expansion and recruitment.

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All circles are lead by a C-level team member, e.g.:

  • a tech team by a CTO
  • a marketing team by a CMO
  • a sales team by a CRO
  • etc.

C-levels each have support, e.g.:

  • the CTO by 1 or more SDRs
  • the CMO by a deisgner
  • the CTO by 1 or more software enginieers
  • the Product Lead (Hardware) by enginieers
  • etc.

Let's walk through all circles:

In the upcoming screenshots, we present the detailed setup of all the 'circles' previously shown. Pay special attention to the circles highlighted in red, as these indicate the specific circle currently being in "Focus Mode". Within these screenshots, you'll be able to identify various attributed elements such as roles, skills, domains, etc., associated with each circle. 

Additionally, in the 'People' list, you'll see the individuals who are part of these circles. The gray 'pills' or tags within the people cards will further delineate the specific roles these individuals hold within the respective circles.

Technology

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Sales

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Product

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Marketing

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CEO and CRO do BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

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The busy CEO

In many startups, it's common for the CEO to assume multiple roles, especially during the early stages. Take, for example, Monica, the founder of her company. She doubles as both the CEO and CFO. As the CEO, Monica oversees critical domains like the product catalogue, patents, and investor decks. Simultaneously, in her capacity as CFO, she manages essential financial aspects such as banking and financial planning. Additionally, in the absence of a COO, Monica also contributes to filling this role, supporting the operational aspects of the company.

Below, you'll see how Monica's diverse responsibilities and roles are represented in her profile within teamdecoder.

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Get Started

StartUps & Small Teams can find our special and affordable offers at any time at http://pricing.teamdecoder.com 

More questions? 

Please use the chat on the bottom right of this page or write us an email to helpdesk@teamdecoder.com

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