Leading Through Uncertainty: How Umpqua Bank Emerged from the Great Recession Better and Stronger than Ever

Conclusion: Lead On

People want and expect their leaders to lead, and good leaders have the skill and talent to do just that: lead.

We know that if people don't trust or have confidence in their leaders, problems can and will occur. At a minimum, these problems can damage a business's reputation with customers and the public. At their worst, these problems can stop a business dead in its tracks. Nobody said it was going to be easy; in fact, leadership can be downright difficult and frustrating. However, it can also be uplifting and motivating—a source of real inspiration—when practiced effectively.

A leader can be anyone at any level in an organization who's responsible for people: a chief executive officer, a division or department officer, ...