In today’s fast-paced business environment, the ability to be an ambidextrous leader is more crucial than ever.
Ambidextrous leadership refers to the skill of managing and balancing opposing demands, such as innovation and efficiency, short-term objectives and long-term goals, or strict discipline and employee autonomy.
This duality enables leaders to adapt quickly to changes, foster a resilient workforce, and sustain organizational growth amidst constant market fluctuations.
In my article “Prava mera – Kako do trajnega razvoja organizacij in posameznikov v njih?”, the emphasis is on finding the right balance across various leadership dimensions to ensure long-term organizational and individual development.
This aligns well with the concept of ambidextrous leadership, where modern leaders are required to seamlessly navigate between competing demands.
Key Balancing Acts for Ambidextrous Leaders:
1. Goal Orientation vs. People Orientation: Striking a balance between driving results and caring for employee engagement is crucial. Leaders should foster an environment where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute beyond their immediate tasks.
2. Short-term Action vs. Long-term Strategy: Effective leaders must manage the present while planning for the future. This involves setting a clear vision and breaking it down into achievable short-term goals.
3. Positive Reinforcement vs. Firm Discipline: Combining encouragement with a clear framework of rules ensures employees feel supported yet understand the boundaries. This dual approach can enhance both morale and compliance.
4. Decisive Communication vs. Listening: Leaders should communicate confidently and assertively while remaining open to feedback. This creates a culture of transparency and trust.
5. Preventive Measures vs. Reactive Solutions: Prioritizing preventive strategies helps mitigate risks and address issues before they escalate. However, being adept at swift problem-solving when needed is also essential.
6. System and Process Focus vs. People Focus: Building robust systems and processes is necessary for efficiency, but they must be designed to support and not stifle human potential. Leaders should ensure systems enhance rather than hinder employee productivity.
7. Action vs. Regeneration: Balancing periods of intense work with rest and regeneration is vital. Just like muscles grow during rest, employees need downtime to recharge and sustain high performance.
Practical Leadership Tips in order to implement the so called Ambidexteous Ledership into your daily business life:
1. Regular Check-ins: Hold frequent, but concise, meetings to align short-term tasks with long-term goals.
2. Recognition Programs: Implement systems to recognize both individual and team achievements, fostering a motivated workforce.
3. Transparent Communication: Maintain open lines of communication, encouraging a two-way dialogue.
4. Training and Development: Invest in continuous learning opportunities to equip employees with skills for both current and future roles.
5. Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexibility to support work-life balance, which can boost overall productivity and job satisfaction.
By embodying ambidextrous leadership, leaders can drive sustainable growth, nurture talent, and maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic business landscape.
Janez Žezlina, MBA
Potentialog
E: janez.zezlina@ecg.si
