What is Ambidextrous Innovation: A Complete Guide

As explained by experts at Adobe, the road to innovation is rarely one straight path. Therefore, embracing a strategy that puts you in a strong yet flexible position is essential. Ambidextrous innovation could be the solution.

Tools like our flagship product KICKBOX, and dedicated innovation operating systems can certainly help you consciously shift towards ambidextrous innovation. However, you first need to understand the key attributes of this strategy type. Here’s all you need to know.

Ambidextrous innovation focuses on short and long-term goals

The ability to handle both short and long-term innovation goals is a key characteristic of a successful organization. Ambidextrous innovation does this by supporting both exploration and exploitation. The former looks for new opportunities while the latter focuses on incremental improvements, including ways to maximize the impact of existing projects and products.  

Ambidextrous innovation is a platform for creativity

Forbes describes corporate innovation as “having out-of-the-box thinking as a strategy within your business”. Ambidextrous innovation promotes idea sharing, whether it's improving on existing ideas or introducing new ones, by giving employees the opportunity to contribute. The fact that intrapreneurs feel able to go anywhere with their creativity will help them unearth new ideas. 

Ambidextrous innovation is a method for company-wide buy-ins

Modern innovation relies on embracing ideas from all parties. Bottom-up innovation brings new perspectives while also making employees feel valued, engaged, and happy - which, according to statistics makes them 13% more productive. Top-down innovation will still be present, but the even playing field creates a workforce of creatives.

Ambidextrous innovation is open to new strategies

An ambidextrous approach in innovation fosters a culture of continuous improvement, whether it be through incremental changes or groundbreaking innovations. It encompasses various methodologies such as Six Sigma and lean manufacturing, which not only break down barriers like resistance to change but also provide a framework for measuring success. From learning from failures to making incremental upgrades, ambidextrous thinking is the perfect mindset for driving progress and achieving excellence.

FAQs

What geniuses are ambidextrous?

Historical figures like Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, and Benjamin Franklin were ambidextrous. In modern times, individuals such as Adam Levine and LeBron James have demonstrated ambidextrous abilities in various tasks.

How rare is ambidexterity?

True ambidexterity is rare, with only about 1% of the population possessing equal proficiency with both hands. Many who appear ambidextrous may have developed skills in their non-dominant hand through necessity or training. 

What are the disadvantages of ambidexterity?

Studies suggest ambidextrous individuals may face challenges in cognitive tasks, including lower performance in verbal, nonverbal, reading, and mathematical skills compared to right- or left-handed individuals.

P.S. It's good to know that using math writing software helps people with ambidexterity in solving math problems

Is ambidexterity good or bad?

While ambidexterity can offer benefits like increased adaptability and ergonomic comfort, it may also be associated with certain disadvantages, such as potential cognitive challenges and a higher likelihood of developmental conditions.