innovate and seek out new things while simultaneously maintaining and improving existing operational efficiency. This is why it has become a competitive differentiator for both professionals and organizations.
When applied on a daily basis, this leadership style provides greater efficiency and ensures significant results. It also allows the introduction of innovations that promote sustainable growth.
In this article, you will learn about the main characteristics of ambidextrous leadership, its advantages and how to implement it efficiently. Enjoy reading!
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What is ambidextrous leadership?
When we think of an ambidextrous person, the first thing that comes to mind is those who can perform activities with dexterity using both hands.
However, ambidextrous leadership is a philosophy that com features of band database bines efficiency and creativity , organizing and simplifying the management of projects and teams.
This happens because it combines innovation, keeping up with transformations and technologies, while taking advantage of existing operational efficiency.
This philosophy has been expanded and brought to organizations by Jeff Immelt , former CEO of General Electric. At first glance, ambidextrous leadership may not seem challenging, but it is quite complex.
This is largely due to the nature of creative people, who tend to be disorganized and have difficulty following pre-established processes. On the other hand, people with a less creative profile tend to be more analytical, rarely oppose things, and are generally resistant to change.
In any case, with the rise of home office, the hybrid model and remote work, this approach has been strengthened as a leadership format, also driven by digital transformation.
These new work models require leaders to be open to new things and review their ways of leading . This is why ambidextrous leadership has been gaining more and more followers.
Ambidextrous leadership as a competitive advantage for the company
Right from the start, we can say that ambidextrous leadership works as a competitive advantage for companies. Through it, it is possible to bring together skills to innovate and, at the same time, increase the efficiency of production processes .
To achieve these goals, leaders must take responsibility for adopting a robust approach to ambidexterity. This will help their teams become more competitive and successful.
Below, we list the main characteristics of an effective strategy.
Dynamism
All innovation is dynamic. Leaders need to be alert and open to transformations, especially digital and technological ones.
Furthermore, operational processes must be reviewed and improved, considering creative factors and the efficient delivery of results, whether individually or as a team.
The ideal is to avoid resistant attitudes. Just remember the Covid-19 pandemic, which required leaders to quickly adapt to remote work. There are no predictions or certainties about the future.
Alignment of different perspectives
Ambidextrous leadership is, by nature, antagonistic, as it combines two different points of view to create a competitive future within companies. The leader needs to be aware of the future and new developments in the market.
Thus, by developing his team with a focus on innovations and concentrating on the best operational decisions of the present, he bets on two opposing aspects of management to create a competitive strategy.
However, it is essential to evaluate how the team is performing in terms of meeting goals and executing operations. Otherwise, this management can become a trap.
Sustainable innovation
Sustainable innovation is essential for success, and it is not limited to technological issues. In ambidextrous leadership, sustainable innovation is about expanding the business mindset . It includes:
resilience;
search;
continuing education;
development of operations.
These differences contribute to the development of new skills in teams, encouraging professionals to evolve individually to become more productive.
Harmony between different profiles
Within a company, there are different types of professionals. In the context of ambidextrous leadership, it is important to consider these profiles when developing projects.
Creative and operational characteristics must go hand in hand, promoting true business transformation. Ambidextrous leaders are able to balance their capabilities between moments of stimulating innovation and moments of focusing on operational work.
Companies also benefit by building aligned, innovative and creative teams. Leadership is constantly changing, and stagnation is not an option.
With this in mind, you can check out PM3's Sprints on Leadership and Human Skills course . Take advantage and discover how to improve your leadership and strengthen essential skills to stand out in the market.
Read more: 8 tips to improve your diction
How to implement ambidextrous leadership in practice?
Now that you know what ambidextrous leadership is and how it can become a competitive advantage, it’s time to put it into practice. Check out the step-by-step guide!
Develop creativity and analytical skills
The first step is to develop analytical skills, which help to optimize existing projects and processes. Also, try to encourage creativity to explore new ideas.