Tough Job Market? Economy slowdown?

As per the recent report we might have run into a situation where skilled professionals might have already witnessed one of the following at their workplace with the economy slowdown:

• Fiercely competitive working environment where everyone tries hard to emphasize their value
• Sudden realization on enhancing skills that are less common amongst peers
  
• Change in role .e.g. I am an architect..why do I have to support that product now?

What do we do?
Numerous answers.
Few instant tips:

• Stay current with the latest technologies. Try to dive into the career resources on the web and find out what's hot and high in demand. Learn them. Take some professional training
• Create a co-epition environment at work. You are competing with your peer to save your job, but make them feel that all need to coexist for collective success
• Respect and recognize others for their contribution. If you respect others in front of a group, you may earn respect for yourself.
• Try to enhance your behavioral skills. In a tough market, you may have to wear multiple hats.
  
• Be flexible about your role. You may be an architect..if you feel that supporting a product being an architect is something you can accommodate, go for it without showing dissent!