It is pretty clear - tough times can lead to bad behavior. Examples include: hiding information self-serving actions empire building blaming others for mistakes undermining other people's team Leaders need to watch for these bad behaviors and quash them when they become visible. Especially in these economically challenging times, people become more anxious about losing their jobs because they are doubtful that they can find another good job. As a leader, you need to be extra careful to ask yourself "what could the alterior motives be?". Look at people's actions from all angles. Do not naively assume that all intents are good. If a person's approach or attitude changes dramatically, there may be something to think through. For example, if someone has recently started to build a larger organization, ask yourself why that might be and if it's in the best interest of the group and the company. If a person has recently become critical of other folks whom they hav