Black Ops Teams: Are They Right for You?

Our first development team archetype is the Black Ops team.

Black ops development teams are excellent for swooping in, solving problems that no one else can crack, and getting out quickly. They are small, nimble, and hyper-focused, allowing them to accomplish far more than their headcount would suggest.

What sets black ops teams apart is not just their deep expertise, but also what they don’t do. They don’t offer ongoing support. They skip nice-to-have features. Their singular focus is on the primary objective—and nothing else.

These limitations aren’t deal breakers, but it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for.

So, when should you use a black ops team? This team shines when you have a business-critical project that’s bogged down by red tape or bureaucratic delays. They thrive on taking on seemingly impossible tasks. And, like their namesake, if the project fails, your investment is minimal enough that the broader organization remains unaffected.

Have you ever worked with a black ops development team? Was it the right fit, or in hindsight, would a different approach have served you better?