AW: What do you say when your competitors contend that you don't always know what you are getting into with technology like this, because it is so labor-intensive and doesn't seem to fit your Direct Model?
Dell: It is exactly what they said 10 or 15 years ago about Dell and the computer business to begin with, and it is exactly what they said about Dell and the server business five years ago. Obviously, time has proven them wrong more than they are right. The thing to watch is a customer. Because customers know more about whether something is good than competitors.

AW: You're successful and financially set. What keeps you motivated and makes you want to continue to slug it out?
Dell: I'm relatively young, and I'm still having a great deal of fun. I've got a good job, and I don't have any plans to go anywhere. The Dell team has enjoyed a great deal of success, but there are still many more markets to explore and customers to serve around the world.

hire for speed
michael dell's number-one tip for a fast-moving company

speed and constant change have defined dell's corporate culture since its humble beginnings. its flexible style is one many companies - and not just tech companies - need to survive as they adjust to an uncertain economy.

"there is nothing like practice to get good at changing," founder and ceo michael dell says. "i don't know any other prescription than to start changing and to condition people for it."

so how do you shift from tackling problems to pursuing possibilities? the place to start, dell advises, is in the hiring process. here are five characteristics he looks for in a new hire - five characteristics you can seek next time you're recruiting.