"It might seem odd to think about growth during challenging economic times, but opportunities for growth can be found at any time.  Even when financial constraints force reductions, there are still ways to capitalize on resources and build strength.  Growth doesn't have to happen at a rapid pace and there can be growth during cutbacks, too.  When faced with organizational decisions in times of bounty or in drought, here are some questions I ask myself - "Is this a good time to build core strength rather than expand?"  "Is this a good time to revisit our roots - to "get back to basics?"  "If we use the resources we have to grow in a new direction, will it weaken or strengthen our foundation?"  "How lean can we be and still meet our mission?"  "What decision will have the most positive impact on the people we serve?" and "What will keep the organization moving forward?"  Team-building and bonding, honing communication skills and systems, collaborating with other organizations, strategic planning, developing leadership capacity, cross-training and equalizing the load throughout the organization are all opportunities for growth.  As with a carefully tended garden, there are times when an organization will need to "winter over" - to take full advantage of its human resources, its stores of energy and passion for mission and then emerge the following season healthier and more robust."