This isn’t the first time the tech industry has encountered hard times, and experienced IT executives have learned practical ways to survive or even thrive during economic downturns. The key is for IT leadership to be relentlessly strategic, thinking like a leader regardless of market conditions. IT leaders should focus on long-term objectives, identify potential challenges and opportunities, and develop contingency plans and solutions to support core priorities. They must also be agile and adaptable, re-prioritizing projects, optimizing budgets, and finding new revenue streams when necessary. By doing so, they can help their organizations navigate difficult times and come out stronger in the end.