What leaders and companies should do during tough times Recently, several clients asked me to summarize what leaders and managers must do during tough times–like many organizations are currently experiencing.  I did some research on how companies not only survived but thrived during the Depression, researched several sources and business publications, and talked with a few clients I know who have come through tough times in an improved state.  Here, then are 7 things leaders should do during tough times.

1.       Ensure current customers are satisfied

2.       Address aggressively all aspects of their financial management

n  Spend wisely

n  Shed less profitable functions

n  Work with your vendors

3.       Increase your public presence

n  Marketing and PR are critical, be smart

4.       Manage your pipeline and distribution carefully and deliberately

5.       Focus on performance and human capital

n  Keep top talent and actively manage poor performance

n  Build synergistic teams

6.       Invest prudently in R&D– innovate

n  Add new products and services

7.       Become creative in sales

n  Financing

n  Negotiation