I've been traveling a lot lately and talking to leaders across the U.S. and Canada. The trend is clear; leaders are rising to the occasion and making some of the toughest and most gut-wrenching decisions in years. Never before have I seen such widespread and aggressive corrective measures taken to counteract the effects of the recession.

Clearly the collective psyche of business leaders has shifted into damage and prevention control at a pace that's truly unprecedented. With sales down across the business spectrum, leaders are confronting their cash-flow challenges head on. As a result, no-compromise leadership stories are apparent everywhere as leaders make the tough decisions that must be made.

It's one thing to clamp down on spending, but when cost reductions must extend to cutting hours, staff layoffs, and looking to your team to do more with less, the stress and weight of leadership accountability must be managed. The no-compromise leader in you must prevail.

Here are a few no-compromise thoughts to help you maintain perspective in these high stress times:

• You are doing the work of leadership: Leading is a joy in good times because problems are manageable and cash flow is predictable. In tough times, problems can burst and spring leaks like pipes on a submarine that exceeded its depth limits. The pressure is intense and stressful - but you are the leader. It's your job to make the tough decisions and navigate the company back to safer waters. Do the work of leadership. No compromise.


• Communicate openly at all levels of the company: Those you lead need to hear from you. They seek reassurance from you that the company is on the right course. They need and derive energy from "Atta boys" from you. Most of all, you need to invest the time to clearly provide details on what the company is doing and where it's at - even if it's not good news. Being open with information will shut down the rumor mill and eliminate drama.


• Be the light - not the darkness: Keep your stress, fears and any thoughts of gloom out of sight. True, you are human and deserve to vent and express yourself. But as leader, the eyes of your company are upon you and your demeanor. The no-compromise leader empowers - not depowers.


• Balance is everything: I work out and ride my bike. I sign up for a couple of long-distance charity rides. It keeps me energized, it keeps me healthy and it helps me manage the natural stress that comes with leadership. What are you doing?

It's truly inspiring to see leaders confronting the effects of the recession head on and making the tough decisions. Rest assured, the leadership lessons we're all learning in these tough times will create an abundance of no-compromise leaders at the other side of this recession.

Pass this email on to your business colleagues, managers and friends.

Neil Ducoff, Strategies founder & CEO