Embracing Uncertainty: The Essence of Leadership [Hardcover]

Phillip G. Clampitt (Author), Robert J. Dekoch (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0765607735 | ISBN-13: 978-0765607737 | Publication Date: August 2001

This book offers a radically different approach from the clever, but overly simplistic and frequently misleading formulas for success offered by most self-help business literature. The authors believe that in today’s turbulent competitive environment it is necessary to embrace uncertainty and set more realistic expectations, while creating greater flexibility to adapt to ever-changing situations.

Phillip G. Clampitt and Robert DeKoch develop three important themes throughout the book: (1) Creating the illusion of certainty or “acting as if you know when you don’t” is both unwise and counterproductive; (2) Embracing uncertainty is the key to effective leadership; (3) Leaders and organizations need to develop specific competencies to enable them to embrace uncertainty. The book shows how to develop these skills using examples drawn from the authors’ experience in both the classroom and the real world.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

“In this gem of a book, the authors encourage us to embrace uncertainty when it appears, to indeed seek it out when it's absent and to work with it to optimize our business flexibility. A must-read for those who aspire to lead.” –Jeff Bleustein, CEO, Harley-Davidson

“This book is virtually unassailable in concept, instructive in demeanor, and a logical approach to the new leadership required to survive and thrive in the new millennium.” – Patrick J. Copps, CEO, Copps Industries

“The authors have written a provocative, interesting, and easy-to-read book that will prove most useful to nearly everyone in the workplace, regardless of where they may be in the pecking order. Especially valuable is the incorporation of real-world examples that make their case for embracing uncertainty.” – Tim Meyer, University of Wisconsin, Madison

About the Author

Phillip G. Clampitt, Ph.D., is a Professor of Corporate Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and a communications consultant to service and manufacturing organizations.

Robert J. DeKoch is the Chief Operating Officer with the Boldt Company. His career has spanned numerous manufacturing industries where he has held management positions in manufacturing, engineering, and research.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 211 pages
• Publisher: M E Sharpe Inc (August 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765607735
• ISBN-13: 978-0765607737
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,802,951 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must-Have" in Today's Corporate Environment, February 16, 2002

By 

Rae Ann Sebranek (Cedarburg, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Embracing Uncertainty: The Essence of Leadership (Paperback)

The dynamic combination of real-world business examples along with research produces a powerful book. Clampitt and DeKoch's study of over 1,000 employees revealing that those who work for organizations that embrace uncertainty have more job satisfaction and are more committed to their organization is a powerful testament to the importance of this subject.
But, they go beyond just acknowledging uncertainty; they offer concrete ways to enhance leadership skills.

Of particular mention is the portion of the book dedicated to communicating about uncertainty. The authors convinced me that at times it may be just as important to talk about what you do NOT know as it is to discuss what you DO know.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Embracing Uncertainty, February 15, 2002

By 

Jeff Korenak GM Saturn of Green Bay (Green Bay) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Embracing Uncertainty: The Essence of Leadership (Paperback)

"I am absolutely thrilled with the book! With the onset of 9/11 my world has changed dramatically. As a business and community leader it has been very difficult to create a vision based on the ever-changing scenarios. This book has changed all that. It has set my mind at rest and has opened up a new vista of management confidence and direction in this "uncertain" time."
Jeff Korenak
GM
Saturn of Green Bay
Bergstrom Automotive

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A key working and thinking tool!, June 21, 2002

By 

Riccardo Paterni riccardo.paterni@global-ser... (LUCCA Italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Embracing Uncertainty: The Essence of Leadership (Hardcover)

As an entreprenuer and consultant I found this book fascinating. It is so up-to-date with a theme we all are familiar with and most of us try to win over: uncertainty. Two factors make of this book a practical working tool: its writing flows, examples are fitting; it's a kind of flow that gets you thinking and relate the topics to issues you are working on. Good job Dr.Clampitt! A few years back I found attending your courses mind opening, this book takes the concepts to the next level: practice.