Executives Find Ways To Keep Moving Ahead Despite Economic Fears

"The collapse of financial titan Bear Stearns last week heightened concerns among executives across industries that the U.S. economy is in a recession. The mess on Wall Street has made it difficult for companies to get financing to do deals; slowed sales of cars, clothing, other consumer goods; and prompted managers to scuttle hiring plans and consider layoffs.
The worst thing business leaders can do, however, is panic, especially because the length and severity of a slowdown is impossible to predict. Here are some management lessons gleaned from recent events to help executives navigate successfully in coming months.
Seize opportunities while you can. That is what J.P. Morgan Chase Chief Executive James Dimon did when he and his senior investment bankers reached an agreement -- in just two days -- to acquire Bear Stearns for a mere $2 a share."