Works Well with Others: Shaking Hands, Shutting up, and Other Crucial Skills in Business That No One Ever Teaches You by Ross McCammon Summary

1. Embrace feeling like an imposter—it means you’re growing.
2. Master business lunch etiquette: order swiftly, avoid messy foods, split the check.
3. Handle workplace jerks with polite detachment, not confrontation or avoidance.
4. Nervous energy fuels better conversations than forced confidence—lean into awkwardness.
5. Email like a pro: concise subject lines, no emojis, reply within 24 hours.
6. Dress codes decoded: match formality to your boss’s boss’s wardrobe.
7. Survive meetings by speaking last, asking questions, and banning smartphones.
8. Networking works best when you focus on listening, not self-promotion.
9. Give feedback using “I” statements and specific examples—never vague criticism.
10. Ross McCammon’s #1 rule: Everyone’s weird and nervous—especially those hiding it.
11. Apologize fast for mistakes, propose solutions faster, then move forward.
12. Choose authenticity over perfection in conversations—faking interest always backfires.

Über den Autor von Works Well with Others

Ross McCammon, author of Works Well with Others: An Outsider's Guide to Shaking Hands, Shutting Up, Handling Jerks, and Other Crucial Skills in Business That No One Ever Teaches You, is a bestselling author and workplace etiquette expert with decades of editorial leadership at Texas Monthly, Esquire, and GQ.

Blending humor with actionable advice, his book tackles professional development through the lens of confidence-building and office navigation—themes honed during his career shaping iconic men’s lifestyle publications.

McCammon extends his insights as Entrepreneur magazine’s business etiquette columnist and co-author of Buchanan-Smith’s Handbook to the Axe, a celebrated guide to craftsmanship.

Praised by The New York Times as “charmingly finicky” and endorsed by cultural figures like Patton Oswalt and organizational psychologist Adam Grant, his work balances irreverence with practical wisdom.

The creator of the widely shared “2 Beers and a Puppy” interpersonal test, McCammon’s guide has been translated into six languages and remains a staple for professionals seeking to thrive in collaborative environments.

FAQ zu Works Well with Others

What is Works Well with Others by Ross McCammon about?

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.

Who should read Works Well with Others?

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.

Is Works Well with Others worth reading?

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.”

What is the “2 Beers and a Puppy” test in Works Well with Others?

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.

What are key quotes from Works Well with Others?

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.

How does Works Well with Others address imposter syndrome?

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.

Does Works Well with Others provide advice for remote work environments?

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.

What are criticisms of Works Well with Others?

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.

How does Ross McCammon’s background influence Works Well with Others?

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.

What makes Works Well with Others unique among career advice books?

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.

How can Works Well with Others help with salary negotiations?

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

Why is Works Well with Others relevant in 2025?

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.