Watching the coincidence of a worsening business environment and a U.S. election that could bring unpredictable economic policy changes, business leaders have more than ordinary concerns about our economic future.

The shift in U.S. political leadership has created an environment of uncertainty about how new policies might affect already fragile business conditions. As President-elect Barack Obama puts his new administration in place, however, perceptions seem to be growing that there will be no disturbing discontinuities in national policy in 2009 -- despite early indications that his administration would have a more negative than positive impact.

Through the reader polls we've run in SmartBrief on Leadership this year, you've told us that you are prepared for the gathering economic storm and are moving into 2009 with leaner organizations and pro-active strategies for sustaining profitability. Despite an environment of difficult credit and rising unemployment, you're confident that strategies for traditional product and service innovation, cost cutting, work force reduction and organizational consolidation will provide the means to sustain profits. Yours is a pro-active rather than re-active posture.

It's an encouraging indication that leaders like you have thoughtfully managed your businesses to this point and believe that appropriate strategies are already in place for 2009.

-- Eva Schmatz, President, Summus, Limited.