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Here are five choice articles from the business press to start off your workweek. I'm pointing you to articles about figuring out just where we are, solid balance sheets, building a business in a whitewater economy, CEO succession at DuPont, and the aging population in Asia (and elsewhere).

From the NY Times: Same Data, Conflicting Forecasts
"So perhaps the better question to ask this week is where are we? Can we come out of our financial fallout shelters yet, or are there more economic bombs still to drop? Will the results of the stress tests, due out next week, make things better or worse? Have the Obama administration and the Federal Reserve managed to stop the bleeding? Can we start breathing a little easier?"

Wally's Comment: Who better than Joe Nocera to talk to a number of economists about where we really are in the downturn?

From the Economist: The sensible giants
"Big listed firms have surprisingly strong balance-sheets—unlike their private peers"

Wally's Comment: Not so long ago we bemoaned the state of big company balance sheets while lauding the private companies. Now it seems that things have turned around.

From HBS Working Knowledge: Building Businesses in Turbulent Times
"Battered by contracting markets and frozen credit, many businesses today are fighting for survival. Indeed, the current global financial crisis provides a mandate for restructuring. But survival is not the end goal, says Harvard Business School professor Lynda M. Applegate."

Wally's Comment: Here's a thoughtful take on what to do if you want to grow your business during these turbulent times.

From Business Week: The Art of CEO Succession
"Pulling off a CEO transition is never easy. DuPont's smooth baton-passing early this year underscores the importance of having a solid plan."

Wally's Comment: There's a lot of moaning about the quality of CEO succession planning and execution at most companies. Here's a story of one company that seems to have gotten it right.

From the Singapore Business Times: Ageing Asia
"People today have the health and longevity to live long, rewarding lives, but not the financial security to see them through. How should we respond to this demographic shift?"

Wally's Comment: The title says "Asia" but don't let that put you off. The author talks about aging countries and societies and the way things interact. It will get you thinking.

Wally's Working Supervisor's Support Kit is a collection of information and tools to help working supervisors do a better job. It's based on what Wally's learned in over twenty years of supervisory skills training. Click here to check it out.