Getting the balance right in building successful teams
Building the right teams with precision, not chance.
Building the right team is not a matter of chance. It demands precision. Coaching existing colleagues and selecting new team members must be done with care and attention to detail. At IMU, we are well aware that our people bring strong academic backgrounds and proven intelligence. But intelligence alone is not enough. What truly matters is ensuring that ambition and ability are in balance. For each individual and within the team as a whole.
Shared responsibility in achieving balance
It is a mistake to place the full responsibility for that balance on the employee. That mindset doesn’t align with IMU’s core belief in Growing Better Together, nor with our collective knowledge approach. We view employment as a mutual commitment. When someone joins IMU, both the individual and the organisation must feel confident that the ambition is matched by the skill level required to perform and grow in the role.
When ambition and ability fall out of sync
If ambition outweighs ability, disappointment will follow. For the employee who feels held back, and for the employer who faces underperformance. On the other hand, highly capable individuals with little or no ambition may meet the technical demands of a job but may also dampen team spirit, introducing negativity or emotional detachment into the working environment.
The IMU precision test for team balance
That is why, at IMU, we treat every recruitment or role assignment as a shared decision, one that must pass a precision test. We ask: is there a healthy match between what the individual wants to achieve and what they are capable of contributing? If the answer is yes, there is a foundation to move forward together.
Supporting growth and balance over time
We also recognise that ambition and ability can evolve over time. As such, IMU takes responsibility for supporting its employees in maintaining this balance, not just today, but throughout their careers. By nurturing both personal growth and professional performance, we strengthen the entire team.
Ambition and ability: partners in success
In short, ambition and ability are not opposites, they are partners. And when carefully aligned, they unlock potential, build trust, and drive collective success.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Building Successful Teams
A successful team at IMU is one where ambition and ability are balanced. Every team member has the opportunity to grow while contributing meaningfully to the organisation’s goals.
Each recruitment process goes through what IMU calls a “precision test” — assessing both what the candidate wants to achieve and what they are capable of delivering, ensuring mutual growth and satisfaction.
Yes. IMU recognises that both ambition and ability evolve. The company supports continuous learning and career development to maintain a healthy balance between the two.
