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Here are some interesting articles from the nation's press that you may want to consider for weekend reading. I'm pointing you to articles about trying to change the fashion industry, the oil business, James Dimond and JPMorgan, friendships at and after work and trying to make batteries that can keep up with your gear.

From the Wall Street Journal: Cricket Lee Takes On the Fashion Industry
"Like many American women, Cricket Lee was furious with the fashion business. It was a struggle to find clothes that fit, and the sizes on the garments didn't help at all: Every company had its own standard, and few of them seemed to describe women's actual body types. In 2002, Ms. Lee decided enough was enough. The Dallas product designer and marketer poured all her energy into taking on the apparel industry and changing the way it designed and labeled its wares. Her goal was singularly ambitious. She wanted to create a universal standard for sizing women's clothes -- based on body types as well as measurements -- that could be licensed by any clothing maker and used in any kind of apparel.

Wally's Comment: This story has two elements that I love. First, there's the, "I have a problem, maybe others have the same and I can build a business solving it." Then there's someone working to change a system they think needs changing.

From the Houston Chronicle: Shell's Hofmeister reflects on tenure at the top
"When Hofmeister was elevated to his current role more than three years ago, he was an industry frontman like no other. He's not an engineer, nor did he start out as a geologist or run a refinery. He earned degrees in political science at Kansas State University, and then spent years in top human resources roles with General Electric, Northern Telecom and Allied Signal — now Honeywell International — before he joined Royal Dutch Shell in that capacity at its Netherlands headquarters 11 years ago."

Wally's Comment: This is a fascinating interview with a person who's had a fascinating career. I think the media often miss the great stories in the energy business because they're intent on painting the companies as evil and their executives as rapacious.

From the New York Times: Rallying the House of Morgan
"High in a Park Avenue skyscraper, within a maze of soft rugs and wood-paneled walls, James Dimon sits just footsteps from the mahogany roll-top desk of J. Pierpont Morgan, the feared lord of the House of Morgan and the most powerful financier of his time. It is a fitting spot for Mr. Dimon, who as master of the modern Morgan empire, JPMorgan Chase, has suddenly become the most talked about — and arguably the most powerful — banker in the world today."

Wally's Comment: I've followed Dimond's career for a while and I think he's one of the most interesting players in financial services today. This is a great story about a true crisis and a possibly legend-making deal.

From the Christian Science Monitor: Meet up after work? No thanks, say many U.S. officemates
"Friendships outside the office build teamwork and boost job security. But pitfalls can include gossip and alcohol."

Wally's Comment: The workplaces they are a-changin'. Get some insight on why some things that seem so good often have a dark side and why most things human are very hard to control.

From the Dallas Morning News: Tech companies race to make cellphones more energy-efficient
"Demands of devices driving research into power management"

Wally's Comment: Without the battery there is no communication in today's world.

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.

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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.