As economists and businesspeople nervously speculate on when the economy will turn around, some managers and executives are already preparing to reap the benefits of recovery. They anticipate change instead of simply reacting to it, and they prosper as a result -- so do their careers.

Those who plan for the unexpected find opportunity where others see a threat. Nowhere is such behavior more valued than among the high-tech industries of Southern California.

If you entered the workforce within the last decade or so you have not experienced a recession while there. Defined as two or more consecutive quarters of negative growth in the GDP, the last official recession happened in the fourth quarter of 1990 and the first quarter of 1991. There have been other bumpy economic times that skirted close to this strict definition of recession since then, but in general, if you're a Gen Y, your entire life thus far has been lived under pretty rosy economic conditions.

Managing successfully through a recession is sometimes viewed almost as an art form. One of the criteria senior leaders like to use in selecting line managers for these times is whether they've weathered tough economic times in the past.

Why? I suspect because there's an element of feel, of judgment, involved -- discerning what's the trend and what's only a temporary blip, knowing when to take action and when to sit tight. Here are a few things to consider while weathering the recession:

1.     Favor greater agility to quickly change direction.

2.     Make decisions that favor flexibility, even over cost.

3.     Anticipate change, develop an alternative plan.

4.     Spend some time thinking about what you'll do when the economy picks up again, because it certainly will.

5.     Have your growth plans ready.

As you think about what you will do to take advantage of the business opportunities during a recession, you can also think about a few personal benefits.  Here are a few ideas to contribute to a "silver lining;"

All across the country, people are talking about shorter lines at the movies, empty tables at the best restaurants, and falling prices for designer handbags courtesy of the economic slowdown. Others somewhat more selflessly look forward to cleaner air, shorter traffic jams, and less development pressure on the environment.  See how you can find the opportunity.

Coach Betty