Upside of a Downturn

With an objective to look into the future with intent and focusing on the possible upside of this downturn, the following seems to come to mind quite naturally. The present global economic downturn has its share of positives, some more apparent than others, and these would surface in different forms and stages, in the journey out of this downturn.

1. Spurt in entrepreneurship
2. Re-surfacing of the systemic view and future - option portfolio approach
3. Protecting of Growth Initiatives - Elevate, consolidate & redirect innovation funding
4. Refocusing on value and what it means to, / the customer
5. Demand & supply balance
6. Opportunity for creating changes - long term impact
7. Focus and emphasis on renovation and repair
8. Re-skilling of oneself
9. Rationalization - Balance of credit to cash from a consumers perspective
10. Opportunity for people to collaborate remotely (work and social)
11. Reduction in office space - focus on increase in productivity
12. A closer scrutiny of the functioning of the corporate & board governance
13. Re-modelling of business to take long term strategic positions
14. Improve Cost Discipline
15. Enhanced fiscal discipline awareness & emphasis on drivers of growth, cash flow & value
16. Organizational restructuring (not rationalization) for efficient focus on Cash, Core People (not Processes), Delivery and Growth

From an individual & firm perspective these are the positives that the downturn has to offer