I dont think great leaders manage differently in growth times or in the tough times. I feel that I need to be a strong leader if times are good or bad, no matter what ups and downs we face as a company. A great leader does not get too high when things are going great. And conversely, they dont get too low when things arent going well.
However, having said that, my focus and priorities certainly do change when business or the economy is fluctuating. In good times, the focus is on growing the top line and on new customer acquisition. In tough or uncertain times, we protect cash and focus on the expenses line. If times are slow, it is a good time to focus on employee development and training. This makes us a stronger team ready to go back to the growth mode, once the economic or business outlook improves .