Working Together by Michael D. Eisner Summary

Working Together explores the dynamics of successful business partnerships through case studies like Michael Eisner’s collaboration with Frank Wells at Disney, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger at Berkshire Hathaway, and Bill and Melinda Gates’ philanthropic work. Eisner identifies trust, complementary skills, and shared vision as core ingredients for enduring partnerships, blending personal anecdotes with broader business insights.

This book is ideal for entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and anyone interested in collaborative success. It offers actionable lessons for building trust, resolving conflicts, and leveraging complementary strengths—making it valuable for teams, co-founders, or professionals seeking to enhance workplace relationships.

Eisner emphasizes shared vision, mutual respect, and role clarity as foundational. Partnerships thrive when individuals prioritize the organization’s goals over personal egos, communicate transparently, and divide responsibilities based on strengths (e.g., Eisner’s creative focus vs. Frank Wells’ operational expertise).

Eisner defines success as partnerships built on unwavering trust and humility. For example, he credits Disney’s resurgence to his collaborative dynamic with Wells, where disagreements were resolved privately, and credit was shared publicly. The book stresses avoiding “scorekeeping” and fostering a “business-first” mentality.

The book dissects 10 iconic duos, including:

• Eisner and Frank Wells (Disney’s turnaround)
• Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger (Berkshire Hathaway’s investment strategy)
• Brian Grazer and Ron Howard (Imagine Entertainment’s creative synergy)
  Each case highlights how contrasting strengths drive collective success.

Key takeaways include:

• Avoid competition: Focus on shared goals, not individual recognition.
• Embrace vulnerability: Admit weaknesses to leverage a partner’s strengths.
• Communicate relentlessly: Eisner and Wells held daily meetings to align priorities.

While both books stress communication, Working Together focuses on empirical examples of successful pairs, whereas The Partnership Charter provides a structured framework for drafting partnership agreements. Eisner’s work is more narrative-driven, ideal for readers seeking inspirational case studies.

Some readers note the book prioritizes high-profile corporate partnerships over smaller-scale collaborations. Additionally, it offers fewer practical tools for resolving conflicts compared to guides like Crucial Conversations, leaning more on storytelling than actionable steps.

Eisner’s emphasis on trust-building and role clarity resonates in hybrid work environments. For example, aligning on shared objectives via virtual check-ins and respecting time zones/delivery styles can mirror the Disney leadership’s daily alignment rituals.

• “Don’t keep score”: Success belongs to the partnership, not individuals.
• “Humility is the ultimate goal”: Egos dissolve when the mission takes priority.
• “The right partnership doesn’t just build companies—it builds legacies”

In an era of solo-founder hype, Eisner’s research reaffirms that collaboration drives innovation. Partnerships mitigate blind spots, accelerate decision-making, and create resilience—critical for navigating 2025’s fast-paced, AI-augmented business landscape.

Eisner credits Disney’s 1980s–1990s revival to his partnership with Wells, who managed finances and operations while Eisner focused on creative projects. Their “no daylight” policy—presenting a united front—prevented internal politicization and stabilized leadership.