The stress and rapid pace of today's world can force many of us to abandon plans, procedures, and proven practices that over time have served us well. It has been my experience working with my most successful clients that most of them regardless of what is going on around them; the economy, their competitors, the government, the employee pool, the latest management fads or the weather - have learned that there are three essential approaches that they need to follow, adhere to and believe in.

1)They stick with what works - the basics. Yes they experiment, innovate, try new strategies, are open to new approaches and tactics and even embrace them when it is in their best long-term interests but in the end the foundation for their enduring success is a strategy that always comes back to the basics that over time regardless of what is going on - work.

2)They give the right people in their organization, those who have earned or deserve respect for their attitudes, values, work ethic, creativity, motivation and persistence the ability and freedom to operate their division, branch, office, territory or are of responsibility without interference and meddling.

3)They are optimistic and positive about the future and this mindset permits them to weather any storm or temporary glitch in their business, the economy or anywhere else they can't control. This doesn't mean they are hopeless positive thinkers who rant and rave positive affirmations day in and day out and put positive thinking signs on every wall and in every office in the business. What it does mean is they know ultimately they are in control of their own attitudes, outlooks and behaviors. They never blame anyone for anything. They believe in their vision, their people and their direction and pursue it with a vengeance regardless of potholes or pitfalls.

Yes, there are many other actions, attitudes and behaviors necessary for success during challenging times or any time for that matter but managers who consistently succeed know that if they will focus on a few fundamental behaviors that the rest will fall into place sooner or later. They don't operate in a knee-jerk or reactionary style as they have learned that this approach sooner or later causes poor decisions or ripple-effect consequences that can linger long after the current fad or circumstances have passed.

They have also learned that to follow proven strategies will sooner or later help them weather changes in consumer attitudes, needs or concerns. Let's face it folks - people are people, whether employees or customers. Technology has changed over the years, business have come and gone, products have evolved but people are pretty much the same with the same desires, dreams, hopes, and challenges.

And in case you have forgotten, you are in the people business; not the computer business, the food business, the housing business or the banking business. And, that as a manger you are responsible to your people - customers or employees or vendors to operate with a mindset of nobility, fairness and honesty. Remember this and all of your decisions, actions and behaviors will sooner or later be pay off.