“Works Well with Others” is part memoir, part guide, and part plea for respect and civility to make a comeback in our work lives. In this 2015 book, author Ross McCammon shares his perspective on workplace dynamics with personal stories and keen observations. McCammon’s career journey has included a few culture shocks and led him from working at an in-flight magazine in Dallas to Esquire magazine’s high-rise offices in Manhattan. Despite the physical and mental move from middle America to the east coast, McCammon stayed true to himself and delivers this helpful “Outsider’s Guide to Shaking Hands, Shutting Up, Handling Jerks, and Other Crucial Skills in Business That No One Ever Teaches You.”
It makes no difference if you work at home, in an office or cubicle, or out of your vehicle – the advice found in this book is for everyone. Why should you listen to McCammon? Common sense – he has it and he shares it throughout. His side gig is writing the Business Etiquette column for Entrepreneur magazine, so he knows how to navigate today’s working world with humor and grace. He’s also laugh-out-loud funny.
One note of caution, though: he is irreverent and profane. You’ll find two chapters on drinking – at work and after. One chapter is called “The Case for Profanity.” If you want a business book where the author doesn’t curse, choose another. If you’re not easily offended, however, I encourage you to give “Works Well with Others” a try.
There are 52 chapters in McCammon’s book, each one just a few pages long. It’s perfect if you like to flip around and read whatever catches your eye. He guides the reader through work life, from advice on meetings to the secret of how to be on time. All of it is framed in terms of being a good member of your team, your community and society. I loved his advice on making small talk – it’s kind of genius. He takes an everyday situation that many people find uncomfortable, riding in an elevator with someone you don’t know well (or at all), and turns it into a game and an opportunity to connect and grow. “Elevators are a prison of opportunity,” he says. Use it to work on your small talk skills. Catch the person’s eye and comment on the weather, the most communal subject of all, then listen to what they say with sincere curiosity. You’ll forge a connection, however brief. It’s these moments that help build communities.
Studies show we enjoy our days and our lives more when we connect, and yet we often don’t take the opportunities to do so. In addition to elevators, how about taking advantage of opportunities in line at the store or while waiting at the pharmacy? These are all chances to hone skills, yes, but more importantly to connect with each other.
McCammon is a magazine writer and editor, so it’s no surprise that many of his best ideas are related to communication. In addition to small talk, he coaches the reader on writing emails, giving speeches, making toasts and pitching ideas. He’s also good at getting to the simple truth of a matter. If you’re not sure how you feel about someone, he has a helpful test for you. Two Beers and a Puppy is a two question litmus test: would you want to have two beers with this person? And would you let this person take care of your puppy over a weekend? Puts it in a clear light, doesn’t it?
Try this book. It isn’t preachy or pretentious. It will motivate you the right way, with both humor and searing truths you can’t avoid. You’ll come away a little lighter in spirit for all the laughing, too. How many business guides can do that?
SHARON BROWN is a Prospect Strategy Analyst with the University of Florida Office of Advancement. A graduate of UF’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, she is happy to have found a career that marries reading, writing and being curious. She and her husband, also a CLAS alum, live in Gainesville.