Some of the most interesting business articles seem to come across my screen during the weekend. Here are a few to start off your workweek. I'm pointing you to articles about Michael Dell and what he's up to at Dell Computer, the HD Supply buyout (finally), 9/11 and where we are today, jumpstarting innovation, and the father of those awful automated voice systems.

Last week's newsletter was "Learning from Luciano." As usual there were pointers to Web and Reading Resources, too.

From the New York Times: Can Michael Dell Refocus His Namesake?
"After a year of sluggish growth, financial disappointments and a high-profile safety recall, re-engineering the Dell model will be a daunting challenge."

From Business Week: Private Equity's White-Knuckle Deal
"With Wall Street closely watching, Clayton Dubilier salvaged the Home Depot buyout—and showed how other big deals in the works can go forward"

From the Economist: Six years on
"How safe is America now? Americans remain attractive targets. On September 5th the German authorities said they had foiled a plot to bomb American military facilities there (see article). According to the latest National Intelligence Estimate, a rejuvenated al-Qaeda operating in tribal areas of Pakistan is determined to launch a catastrophic attack on American soil using chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. It has become a cliché in Washington to point out that the question is not whether terrorists, al-Qaeda or other, will strike the United States again, but when and how.

From HBS Working Knowledge: Jumpstarting Innovation: Using Disruption to Your Advantage
"Mature companies understand that to compete today they need to innovate. But finding sources of innovation while still paying attention to the current business can be a struggle. The good news, says Harvard Business School professor Lynda M. Applegate, is that one of the forces that threatens established companies can also be a source of salvation: disruptive change."

From the LA Times: Press 1 if you hate talking to a device
"As the man generally regarded as the father of the automated switchboard, Peter Theis knows he has a lot to answer for."

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.

Request your free copy of "Meeting the Challenges of the Boomer Brain Drain: An integrated approach."

Wally Bock has helped people learn to be great bosses for more than a quarter century. His latest book, Performance Talk: The One-on-One Part of Leadership, makes learning key leadership principles almost effortless by teaching through a story and providing lists of resources for further growth.

Click here to find out more about Wally's coaching services.

For weekly tips and resources pointers, check our Wally Bock's Three Star Leadership Letter.

Click here to find out more about having Wally speak to your company or convention.