Introduction — The Case for Ambidextrous Organizations and Ambidextrous Leaders

Ambidexterity — the use of both hands is not a new concept. The word “ambidextrous” is derived from the Latin roots ambi-, meaning “both,” and dexter, meaning “right” or “favorable.” Thus, “ambidextrous” is literally “both right” or “both favorable.” Human beings are usually born with two hands. As they progress through life, it quite naturally develops that one hand becomes more dominant. This is recognizable immediately, as when writing or eating, your dominant hand will prevail without you even thinking about it. This type of preferred behavior develops quite early in life. Usually, by the time you reach the end of your teenage years it will be quite fixed. In normal circumstances your preference for behavior kicks in: You put the pen in the dominant hand and you start to write. In the absence of any significant reason for change — for instance, while skiing you break your dominant hand — there is no need to alter that habit. I have yet to meet a person who decides: “Today is the day. From now on I will start to sign my name with the other hand.”