The way you manage your IT staff during this economic downturn can make a big impact on the success of your organization, according to a new study from consulting firm The Forum Corp.

As layoffs rise the uncertainty can paralyze managers and employees, leaders must adopt certain strategies pertaining to financials, people, and organizational climate.

"By looking at past recessions we've identified 10 steps that can make the difference between success and failure in managing through our current downturn, and they all come back to leadership," said Ed Boswell, CEO of The Forum Corp. "Following these steps will be particularly valuable in organizations that are undergoing cost-cutting and layoffs, which challenge managers to do more with less."

Here is some of the advice:

* Keep and develop top talent. Your stars are most susceptible to being hired away by a competitor during a downturn. Give IT staff development experiences and rotate assignments.

* Keep everyone on the same page. Frame an agenda, meet with stakeholders to gain support, and build commitment. It’s crucial to have alignment on key goals.

* Foster collaboration. Seek employee input and empower staff to contribute their ideas.

* Tell the truth. Strong leaders acknowledge the challenges they’re facing and by doing so, built trust among followers.

* Create a positive vision. When employees respond to customers’ interests and values, they’re more likely to come out on top when the downturn ends.

Working with Paradigm Learning, Forum developed a managerial toolkit available for free download with registration here.

Amy Schurr is the former managing features editor of Network World.