Working Together by Michael D. Eisner

Last updated: Jul 16, 2023

Summary of Working Together by Michael D. Eisner

Working Together by Michael D. Eisner is a comprehensive guide that explores the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving success in any organization. Eisner, the former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, shares his insights and experiences from his time leading one of the world's most iconic and successful companies.

The book begins by emphasizing the significance of teamwork and how it can drive innovation, creativity, and productivity. Eisner highlights the power of diverse perspectives and the need for effective communication and trust among team members. He emphasizes that collaboration is not just about working together but also about leveraging each individual's strengths and talents to achieve common goals.

Eisner provides numerous examples from his tenure at Disney, illustrating how collaboration played a crucial role in the company's success. He discusses the importance of building a strong team culture and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. He also emphasizes the need for leaders to set clear goals and provide guidance and support to their teams.

The book delves into various aspects of teamwork, including decision-making, conflict resolution, and the role of leadership in fostering collaboration. Eisner shares practical strategies and techniques for effective collaboration, such as conducting productive meetings, encouraging open dialogue, and promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Eisner also explores the challenges and obstacles that can hinder teamwork, such as ego clashes, lack of trust, and resistance to change. He provides valuable insights on how to overcome these challenges and create a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Throughout the book, Eisner emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in teams. He highlights the benefits of having a diverse workforce and the need to create an inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome and valued.

In conclusion, Working Together by Michael D. Eisner is a comprehensive guide that emphasizes the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving success. Through his experiences at Disney, Eisner provides valuable insights, practical strategies, and inspiring examples to help individuals and organizations foster a culture of collaboration and achieve their goals.

1. The Power of Collaboration

In "Working Together," Michael D. Eisner emphasizes the importance of collaboration in achieving success. He highlights that no great accomplishment is achieved alone and that collaboration is essential for innovation and growth. Eisner shares numerous examples from his own experiences, such as the successful partnership between Disney and Pixar, to illustrate how collaboration can lead to extraordinary results.

By working together, individuals can combine their unique skills, perspectives, and ideas to solve complex problems and create groundbreaking solutions. Eisner encourages readers to foster a collaborative culture within their organizations, where teamwork is valued and encouraged. He provides practical advice on how to build effective teams, establish clear communication channels, and promote a sense of shared purpose.

2. The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

Eisner emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence in "Working Together." He argues that understanding and managing emotions is crucial for effective leadership and building strong relationships. By developing emotional intelligence, individuals can better navigate conflicts, inspire others, and create a positive work environment.

Eisner shares personal anecdotes and insights on how emotional intelligence played a pivotal role in his own leadership journey. He provides practical strategies for developing emotional intelligence, such as active listening, empathy, and self-awareness. By incorporating these practices into their daily lives, readers can enhance their emotional intelligence and improve their interactions with colleagues, employees, and stakeholders.

3. Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

In "Working Together," Eisner emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in the workplace. He argues that diverse teams bring a variety of perspectives, experiences, and ideas, leading to more innovative and creative solutions. Eisner shares examples of how Disney actively sought diversity in its workforce and how it positively impacted the company's success.

Eisner encourages readers to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. He provides practical advice on how to foster diversity, such as implementing inclusive hiring practices, promoting diversity in leadership roles, and creating opportunities for diverse voices to be heard. By embracing diversity and inclusion, organizations can tap into the full potential of their workforce and drive greater success.

4. The Power of Storytelling

Eisner highlights the power of storytelling in "Working Together." He argues that storytelling is a fundamental human experience that can be leveraged to connect with others, inspire action, and drive change. Eisner shares examples of how storytelling played a crucial role in the success of Disney's animated films and theme parks.

He provides practical advice on how to become a better storyteller, such as understanding the audience, crafting compelling narratives, and using visuals and emotions to engage listeners. By harnessing the power of storytelling, individuals can effectively communicate their ideas, build strong connections, and inspire others to take action.

5. The Value of Adaptability

Eisner emphasizes the value of adaptability in "Working Together." He argues that in today's rapidly changing world, organizations and individuals must be willing to adapt and evolve to stay relevant and competitive. Eisner shares examples of how Disney successfully adapted to new technologies, market trends, and consumer preferences.

He provides practical strategies for fostering adaptability, such as embracing experimentation, encouraging a growth mindset, and being open to feedback and new ideas. By embracing adaptability, individuals and organizations can navigate uncertainty, seize opportunities, and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

6. The Importance of Work-Life Balance

Eisner highlights the importance of work-life balance in "Working Together." He argues that maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is crucial for overall well-being and long-term success. Eisner shares personal anecdotes and insights on how he prioritized his family and personal interests while leading Disney.

He provides practical advice on how to achieve work-life balance, such as setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and making time for self-care. By prioritizing work-life balance, individuals can avoid burnout, maintain healthy relationships, and lead fulfilling lives both personally and professionally.

7. The Role of Failure in Success

Eisner emphasizes the role of failure in achieving success in "Working Together." He argues that failure is an inevitable part of any journey and should be embraced as a learning opportunity. Eisner shares personal stories of failures he experienced throughout his career and how he used them as stepping stones to future success.

He encourages readers to adopt a growth mindset and view failure as a valuable feedback mechanism. Eisner provides practical strategies for learning from failure, such as reflecting on mistakes, seeking feedback, and embracing resilience. By embracing failure and learning from it, individuals can grow, innovate, and ultimately achieve greater success.

8. The Importance of Authentic Leadership

Eisner highlights the importance of authentic leadership in "Working Together." He argues that leaders who are true to themselves, their values, and their vision can inspire and motivate others to achieve greatness. Eisner shares personal insights on how he maintained authenticity while leading Disney and the impact it had on the organization's success.

He provides practical advice on how to cultivate authentic leadership, such as staying true to one's values, leading with integrity, and being transparent and honest with others. By embracing authentic leadership, individuals can build trust, foster loyalty, and create a positive and empowering work environment.