Capitalizing on a downturn to bolster future productivity

JIRI MALY

As companies assess the severity of the current economic downturn, the natural response is to pare all discretionary capital investments and ride out the storm.However, far-sighted executives will recognize that the crisis is also an opportunity to drive through performance improvements and competitively reposition the business. While they must certainly manage their companies' day-to-day expenses more carefully than usual, senior business leaders navigating through the looming recession should not lose sight of the need to make long-term investments now to position their companies for stronger future growth. This is the time when future industry leaders plot their strategic coups and ascendance.