Working Together

Working Together examines successful business partnerships through the lens of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner's career experiences. The book analyzes notable collaborations in modern business and entertainment, including Warren Buffett with Charlie Munger and Bill Gates with Melinda Gates. Through interviews and case studies, Eisner explores the dynamics that make these partnerships work. He investigates how complementary skills, shared values, and mutual trust contribute to long-term success in business relationships. Each chapter focuses on a specific partnership, detailing the initial connection between the partners and their path to achieving significant results together. The narratives draw from personal accounts, historical records, and direct conversations with the featured business leaders. The book presents partnership as a fundamental element of business achievement, challenging the myth of the solo genius. It demonstrates how collaborative relationships can lead to innovation and sustained success when built on the right foundation.

Readers found this book formulaic and lacking depth in its exploration of business partnerships. Many noted that it reads more like a collection of surface-level success stories rather than providing meaningful insights into how partnerships actually function. What readers liked: - The variety of partnership examples covered - Easy-to-read writing style - Personal anecdotes about Disney leadership What readers disliked: - Too much focus on celebrity and high-profile partnerships - Limited practical advice for building partnerships - Repetitive storytelling format - More about Eisner's career than partnership dynamics One reader noted: "It's basically just Eisner name-dropping his famous friends and their successful collaborations without digging into what makes partnerships work." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.4/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 3.5/5 (28 reviews) Many reviewers describe it as a light business memoir rather than the practical partnership guide they expected based on the title and marketing.

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🤝 After stepping down as Disney CEO in 2005, Eisner interviewed over 50 successful business partners to research this book 💼 The book highlights partnerships from diverse industries - from entertainment (Grazer/Howard) to investing (Buffett/Munger) to retail (Home Depot founders Marcus/Blank) 📈 Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, one of the featured partnerships, have worked together at Berkshire Hathaway for over 40 years, generating returns exceeding 2,000,000% 👥 Eisner draws heavily from his own 21-year partnership with Frank Wells at Disney, during which the company's value grew from $1.8 billion to $80 billion 🎯 The book identifies seven key traits shared by successful partnerships: trust, humor, candor, mutual respect, common core values, complementary skills, and shared credit