Learning diary #3 Benefit that work together
Over the past year, I have met different people online and worked on several projects, some on my own, some in teams of two, and others in teams of three. Through these experiences, I started to notice a certain pattern, or perhaps more precisely, a kind of balance that tends to emerge in a team of three.
I am not saying that every team of three will work. It still requires effort, communication, and alignment. However, in my experience, it has often been one of the fastest ways to understand whether people are truly compatible.
There are a few aspects that stand out to me.
Growing faster, when strengths are different
In a team of three, growth often feels more dynamic, especially when each person brings a different strength to the table. There is space for each individual to take ownership, to make decisions independently, and at the same time to learn from one another.
In the early stages of a project, this balance seems particularly important, as it allows each person to move forward with their own responsibilities while still contributing to the larger direction of the work. It does not feel like simply dividing tasks, but more like expanding each other’s perspective in the process.
Even in the AI era, where tools can accelerate execution, I still feel that human judgment remains essential in guiding direction and ensuring quality. The workflow may change, but the need for thoughtful collaboration remains.
Handling uncertainty more naturally
Life is rarely stable.
There are always moments when energy drops, focus shifts, or personal situations require attention. In a team of three, there is often more room to adjust during these periods. When one person slows down, the others can temporarily carry more of the load, allowing the project to continue moving forward.
Of course, this only works when there is clarity between everyone involved. Clear expectations, open communication, and a shared understanding of timing are necessary for this kind of flexibility to function. Without that, the structure itself does not hold.
When it does work, however, it seems to create a kind of resilience, allowing the project to sustain itself even through uneven periods.
More space to observe compatibility
What I did not expect is how much a team of three allows you to observe compatibility over time.
With both one-on-one collaboration and group interaction, there are more opportunities to see how people work in different contexts. Gradually, patterns begin to emerge. You start to notice how someone communicates, how they approach problems, and how consistent they are in their work.
Over time, it becomes clearer what feels aligned and what does not, and whether those differences can be adjusted or not. In a way, a team of three gives you more time to observe, to reflect, and to understand whether a collaboration is truly working.
My takeaway from what I learned
Working together is not always easier. It requires patience, communication, and trust.
But when the structure is right, it does not only help the project move forward, it also allows people to grow together, and to understand each other, and perhaps themselves, a little more clearly.