It’s unfortunate and maddening that we are in a global recession that will almost certainly deepen before it improves. Government stimulus legislation and intervention into financial institutions, at whatever level it ends up being in the end, will likely affect the economic downturn’s momentum in various ways but not completely cure it.

So where does that leave us? Folks are definitely hurting. But with the right attitude, I hope that it will eventually leave the world with a greater understanding of what happens when we let ourselves become complacent with old ways and refuse to realize that there must be some sharp, treacherous rocks hidden beneath that pretty river (as well as some trash and a few old tires and shoes!)

And, coming at this from a purely philosophical note, I hope that the business world realizes that when the river is low, that it is the best time to jump in and establish your own rocks in the river.

Oftentimes, it takes a crisis to reveal the bumps and warts that are hidden underneath what previously appeared to be a successful organization. The Bernie Madoffs of the world need to go away so that the honest, well-managed organizations are allowed float to the top.

This also reminds me of the big tree that fell in my backyard recently after a bout of heavy rains. It was old and blocking out sunlight and nourishment that the younger trees needed to thrive and grow. Therefore, I could not really feel badly about the tree because its death represented new life, and so it is the same in today’s business world.

So instead of feeling bad about the Madoff mess or the tree that has fallen, we should celebrate the renewal that comes from casting out the old and bringing in the new. Think of that popular movie "The Lion King" and the circle of life – it’s the same principle.

Now is an excellent time to celebrate the demise of old schools of thought and ways of doing business and usher in smart strategies and processes. What do you think, and what are you doing to "put new rocks in the river and plant new trees?"

Go!Go!Go!

Jim