Most businesses are sharing concerns over the weaknesses in global economies – yet there are a few who see these times as goldmines of opportunity. These are businesses who recognise that adversity often bears genius innovation and hardens the business against the ebb and flow of market dynamics.

Anyone with a few tools and skills can succeed in good times. It’s the tough times that sorts the real businesses from the pack. Success depends upon strong people with clear goals and indestructible spirits. And since most of us are not born that way – we grow that way by forcing ourselves to prosper in the face of adversity. Every tough time provides a new opportunity to grow personally and professionally.

So rather than stress about what you may lose in such times – focus on driving as much efficiency in your business as you can and ask every one of your employees for help in conquering the moment.

Genius is most often not found in the boardroom, rather it is found on the front line and factory floor – with those who face off with customers and products every day. How long ago was it a C-level executive spent a day with your product line or spoke to a selection of customers. Don’t discount the huge wealth of ideas the workers have been building up, without an opportunity to express them.

But don’t expect them to be forthright at will – after being ‘ignored’ as a source of innovation for many years, it will take some time to gain trust that you really do want to know what they have to say, and that each idea counts.

Have courage, discipline, and perseverance!