Works Well With Others by Ross McCammon Summary

Works Well with Others by Ross McCammon is a candid guide to navigating workplace dynamics, blending humor with actionable advice on confidence-building, professional etiquette, and handling challenging colleagues. It covers practical skills like shaking hands, making small talk, and managing imposter syndrome, framed through McCammon’s experiences as an editor at Esquire and GQ.

This book is ideal for early-career professionals, introverts, or anyone transitioning into corporate environments. It’s particularly valuable for those seeking to improve workplace relationships, master office politics, or overcome social anxiety in business settings. McCammon’s relatable tone resonates with millennials and Gen Z readers.

Yes, particularly for its humor and practical frameworks like the “2 Beers and a Puppy” test for assessing workplace fit. Reviewers praise its balance of motivational insights and real-world tactics, with The New York Times calling it “charmingly finicky” and Patton Oswalt deeming it “indispensable.”

McCammon’s famous test evaluates workplace compatibility:

• Could you have 2 beers with this person comfortably?
• Would you trust them to care for your puppy?

This framework helps assess colleagues’ reliability and likability, emphasizing emotional intelligence in professional relationships.

Notable lines include:

• “Self-doubt isn’t a deficiency—it’s fuel to work harder.”
• “The people who act like they’ve figured it all out have little to offer.”

These underscore the book’s theme of embracing vulnerability as a strength in career growth.

McCammon reframes imposter syndrome as a tool for humility and growth, advising readers to channel self-doubt into preparation and authenticity. He shares personal anecdotes about overcoming feelings of inadequacy in high-pressure editorial roles.

While written pre-pandemic, its principles on communication, virtual empathy, and managing jerks translate well to hybrid/remote settings. For example, McCammon’s rules for “digital small talk” help maintain rapport in Zoom-dominated workplaces.

Some reviewers note the advice skews toward corporate America and may lack diversity in workplace examples. Others find its humorous tone occasionally undermines deeper psychological insights, making it better suited for entry-level professionals than executives.

Drawing from his editorial roles at Esquire, GQ, and Texas Monthly, McCammon infuses the book with media industry anecdotes. His experience mentoring writers and navigating celebrity interviews provides credibility to its interpersonal strategies.

Unlike formulaic guides, it combines self-deprecating humor with unorthodox tactics—like using silence strategically in meetings or embracing awkwardness. This approach disarms readers while teaching resilience in professional settings.

McCammon advocates for “confident curiosity”—asking questions rather than making demands. He provides scripts for discussing raises tactfully, emphasizing preparation and timing over confrontation.

As workplaces evolve with AI and shifting generational dynamics, its focus on human-centric skills—emotional intelligence, adaptability, and authentic communication—remains critical. The book’s principles complement tech-driven productivity tools.