Leading Through Uncertainty

From the CEO of Umpqua Bank, the essential leadership practices that allowed the West Coast’s largest independent community bank to emerge from the economic crisis even stronger than before In this follow-up to the successful Leading for Growth, Umpqua Bank CEO Ray Davis shares the tactics and strategies  that have allowed Umpqua to grow and succeed in the toughest economic environment. The results are clear: despite years of economic uncertainty, Umpqua has continued its upward trajectory—expanding from five locations in 1994 to more than 200 today. Davis’s approach can help leaders recalibrate their approaches, no matter what the industry or market upheaval they face.  In Leading Through Uncertainty, Davis shares a concise set of smart, actionable leadership practices that leaders can use to navigate their businesses and teams through difficult times. These include focusing on honesty and transparency, motivating and inspiring employees, building an outstanding corporate reputation, paying attention to details, and more. By showing leaders how to maintain a clear value proposition and strong leadership, Leading Through Uncertainty will help any company secure a lasting foothold in any economy.

Foreword by William C. Taylor ix Introduction: The Great Uncertainty xiii Part 1 Leading Yourself Chapter 1: The New Normal 3 Chapter 2: The Truth, Nothing But the Truth 23 Chapter 3: Problems and the Healing Process 39 Chapter 4: Control and Uncertainty 51 Chapter 5: Exercise Your Intuition 65 Part 2 Leading Your Organization Chapter 6: Be Really Good at the Basics 81 Chapter 7: The Value of a Value Proposition 91 Chapter 8: Be Available 103 Chapter 9: Motivate and Inspire 113 Chapter 10: Leverage Your Assets 125 Part 3 Leading the Way Chapter 11: Reputation Counts 137 Chapter 12: Create Buzz (But Manage Crisis) 147 Chapter 13: Build Momentum 161 Chapter 14: Practice Incremental Evolution 171 Conclusion: Lead On 181 Notes 185 Acknowledgments 191 About the Authors 193 Index 195