How any business leader can create an atmosphere of competitiveness for exceptional growth When Ray Davis took over the local 40-person South Umpqua Bank in 1994, many people in the industry poked fun at his insistence that employees answer the phone with a cheery "World's Greatest Bank." Eleven years, $7 billion in assets, and 128 branches (or " bank stores" in Umpqua lingo) later, the moniker seems quite apt. Other banks scratched their heads when Davis sent his tellers to Ritz-Carlton to learn customer service and were intrigued when he hired a cutting-edge design firm to completely re-think retail layout. Now, with a top design award under their belt, a name change (there never was a North  Umpqua bank), and a completely new definition of the banking business, Umpqua has become the darling of the entrepreneurial press and a growth powerhouse. The New York Times calls Umpqua " Starbucks with tellers ." Ray Davis (Portland, OR), named by U.S. Banker as one of the 25 most influential people in the financial industry in 2005, is President and CEO of Umpqua Holdings Corporation. Alan Shrader (Moraga, CA) is an experienced writer and editor of business books. Ray Davis addresses many of the key issues we face in continuing to drive growth at Nike―staying connected with the consumer, leading change, building the brand, and cultivating a strong corporate culture. He offers clear solutions and creative leadership approaches for all business leaders, regardless of industry." ―Charlie Denson, president, Nike Brand " Leading for Growth presents an inspiring and powerful set of lessons about growing a company from a leader who has 'been there and done that.' The book is relevant to anyone in a leadership position faced with the need to change a culture and/or grow successfully―essentially, all of us." ―Eric Flamholtz, president, Management Systems Consulting Corporation, and professor of management, Anderson School, UCLA When Ray Davis took over the regional South Umpqua Bank (and its five branches) in 1994, many poked fun at his insistence that employees answer the phone with a cheery "World's Greatest Bank." Eleven years, $7 billion in assets, and more than 120 bank stores later, many now accept that statement without question. Other banks scoffed when Davis sent his tellers to the Ritz-Carlton to learn customer service. But with two top design awards, a name change, and a completely new definition of the banking business, Umpqua has become a growth powerhouse, increasing 30 times in size. Leading for Growth tells how any business can use the same leadership discipline and creative thinking that made Umpqua Bank get bigger, better, more agile, and more customer focused, and turned it into a relentless competitor. This important book shows how to truly lead as opposed to manage, plan, or strategize through extreme growth. Ray Davis's insights will help you Discover what business you are really in and create your competitive advantage - Build an organization with committed employees - Connect marketing strategy and execution on the ground - Create learning opportunities for all managers and staff - Fight the syndrome that often pulls people back into old routines - Rise above the day-to-day conflicts to achieve a strategic perspective on your company and where it is going - Manage mergers and acquisitions in ways that support rather than dilute your culture Leading for Growth is written for any leader who wants to create a competitive atmosphere for exceptional growth. When Ray Davis took over the regional South Umpqua Bank (and its five branches) in 1994, many poked fun at his insistence that employees answer the phone with a cheery “World’s Greatest Bank.” Eleven years, $7 billion in assets, and more than 120 bank stores later, many now accept that statement without question. Other banks scoffed when Davis sent his tellers to the Ritz-Carlton to learn customer service. But with two top design awards, a name change, and a completely new definition of the banking business, Umpqua has become a growth powerhouse, increasing 30 times in size. Leading for Growth tells how any business can use the same leadership discipline and creative thinking that made Umpqua Bank get bigger, better, more agile, and more customer focused, and turned it into a relentless competitor. This important book shows how to truly lead―as opposed to manage, plan, or strategize―through extreme growth. Ray Davis’s insights will help you Discover what business you are really in and create your competitive advantage - Build an organization with committed employees - Connect marketing strategy and execution on the ground - Create learning opportunities for all managers and staff - Fight the syndrome that often pulls people back into old routines - Rise above the day-to-day conflicts to achieve a strategic perspective on your company and where it is going - Manage mergers and acquisitions in ways that support rather than dilute your