In my last post I wrote about the three critical actions leaders must take to succeed in 2010 to get out of the valley of recession. Taking action in uncertain times takes courage. Yet it needs to be the right kind of action; very focused, very urgent and supported by the whole organization.

Volatile times can make people feel volatile – they just see 100 things that need to be done.

Smart, strategically focused CEOs never let their organizations have more than 5 priorities. Even one more kills your productivity. Before they add anything new, they complete and eliminate one current priority from their list.

This is a time, when energy levels are tested, relationships are strained and stress challenges good health. Taking care of oneself is essential to taking care of others. Don’t exhaust yourself with unnecessary activity. Stay calm, clear, and rested. Focus on a few things remarkably well – and make sure those things are things customers really want.

This may seem counter intuitive to those who think they need to do more in bad times. But most people are under enough stress – they don’t need more to do. Focus on only doing those things that really count – that really make your business better in ways appreciated by your customers. And don’t make assumptions about what your customers want today – it is most likely not the same as they may have felt they wanted 12 months ago. Get out there and ask.

Stay calm, stay healthy, stay in business!