Introduction
In the business world, we often hear stories of lone geniuses who single-handedly built empires through sheer willpower and brilliance. However, the reality is that behind most great successes lies a powerful partnership. In "Working Together," Michael D. Eisner explores what makes truly exceptional business partnerships tick by examining some of the most successful duos in recent history.
Drawing from his own experiences as CEO of Disney and the partnerships he witnessed firsthand, Eisner provides an insightful look into the dynamics that allow two people to achieve far more together than they ever could alone. This book reveals that while each partnership is unique, there are common threads that run through the most fruitful collaborations - mutual respect, integrity, trust, and a willingness to put ego aside for the greater good.
The Cheerleader: Frank Wells and Michael Eisner
One of the most illuminating partnerships explored in the book is that between Frank Wells and Michael Eisner during their time leading the Walt Disney Company. Their dynamic exemplifies the power of having a supportive partner who acts as your biggest cheerleader.
Eisner was the visionary CEO, brimming with creative ideas and grand plans. Wells, as president, provided the steady hand that kept the company grounded. What made their partnership truly special was an unspoken pact of absolute trust and unity. They shared everything - from important phone calls to daily frustrations - visiting each other's offices up to 20 times a day.
Wells embraced his role as Eisner's greatest supporter, enthusiastically promoting his partner's ideas. This passionate advocacy became a crucial factor in their success. Wells was willing to go to great lengths to help Eisner secure deals, even once agreeing to settle a dispute over the film Dirty Harry by playing tennis with Clint Eastwood.
Perhaps most importantly, Wells embodied the humility that is vital to any great partnership. He was confident enough in his own accomplishments that he didn't feel threatened by Eisner's position. When Disney wanted to make them joint CEOs, Wells willingly stepped aside to let Eisner take the sole CEO role. This elimination of internal competition allowed them to focus entirely on creating success for the company.
Wells famously carried a fortune cookie message in his wallet for 30 years that read "Humility is the final achievement." This philosophy allowed their partnership to thrive without the pitfalls of ego or rivalry getting in the way.
The Skeptic: Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger
While support is crucial, sometimes the best partner is one who challenges your ideas. This is exemplified by the long-standing partnership between Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger at Berkshire Hathaway.
Munger serves as the ultimate skeptic to Buffett's ambitious plans. His typical responses range from "That's a dumb idea" to "You're out of your mind and I'm going to have you committed." This critical perspective is so valued that Berkshire Hathaway bases many of its decisions on how Buffett reacts to Munger's critiques.
Importantly, even when Buffett decides to move forward with an idea Munger disagrees with, Munger fully commits to supporting it. This demonstrates the strength of their partnership - they can disagree vigorously but remain unified in execution.
Munger has also been instrumental in shaping Berkshire Hathaway's strategy, introducing the "buy strong and hold" approach of acquiring well-run companies for the long term. Despite his forceful personality, Munger is content in the number two role, recognizing that Buffett has a unique talent for turning knowledge into action.
Their partnership works because they genuinely enjoy each other's company as best friends, think in similar ways, but bring complementary skills to the table. Munger openly acknowledges Buffett as the more capable leader, understanding that envy has no place in a successful partnership.
The Equal: Bill and Melinda Gates
As people mature and gain experience, they often realize that dominance isn't necessary for a partnership to thrive. This is evident in Bill Gates' partnership with his wife Melinda in running their philanthropic foundation.
Unlike some of his earlier business partnerships, Bill and Melinda operate as true equals. They discuss issues openly, read the same books to compare thoughts, and stay deeply engaged in each other's work even when apart. This equality allows them to share fears and weaknesses, giving advice freely without concern for hierarchy.
The flexibility of their roles allows them to shift and protect each other during difficult times. If one partner is particularly enthusiastic about a project, the other might take a more cautious stance, ensuring a balanced perspective. Over time, this equality has strengthened their bond to the point where they frequently finish each other's sentences.
Their partnership demonstrates that success doesn't require one person to always be in a position of power. By embracing true collaboration between equals, they've been able to tackle global health and education issues with remarkable effectiveness.
The Opposites: Brian Grazer and Ron Howard
Sometimes the most effective partnerships are between people who seem completely different on the surface. This is certainly true for producer Brian Grazer and director Ron Howard, who have very different public personas but share core values that make their partnership work.
Grazer is the smooth-talking Hollywood producer in sharp suits, while Howard is the former child star turned acclaimed director known for his casual style. Despite their outward differences, they share the same principles and always stand by each other. They agreed early on that they didn't need to agree on everything, which has allowed their partnership to thrive.
Their different strengths allow them to play complementary roles. Grazer often takes charge in dealing with the business side of Hollywood, shielding Howard from some of the harsher aspects of the industry. Despite their differences, they genuinely like each other and share a clear vision of what they want to accomplish together.
Their partnership has weathered ups and downs. After initial successes with films like "Night Shift" and "Splash," they briefly parted ways as Grazer sought more industry recognition. However, they soon realized they were more successful together and reunited to form Imagine Films Entertainment.
A key to their enduring partnership is their 50/50 split of the company and its earnings, even on projects where one contributes more than the other. This financial equality prevents tension from arising over individual successes or failures, allowing them to truly share in their accomplishments as a team.
The Lovers: Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti
Some of the strongest business partnerships are built on a foundation of romantic love, even if that romance eventually evolves into a different form of deep affection. This is exemplified by fashion designer Valentino Garavani and his partner Giancarlo Giammetti.
Garavani and Giammetti met in 1960 and were romantic partners for 12 years. Even after their romantic relationship ended and they began dating other people, they remained deeply in love and committed to each other's success. This strong emotional bond allowed them to work together seamlessly for over half a century.
Giammetti made significant sacrifices to support Garavani's career, even abandoning his own studies in architecture to save money and keep Garavani's first fashion house afloat. He took on the role of organizer and planner, allowing Garavani to focus entirely on his creative work designing clothes.
Their partnership thrives on a unique power dynamic. Giammetti is content to let Garavani enjoy the spotlight, knowing the true value of his own behind-the-scenes contributions. He even insists that Garavani receive 51% of their earnings, despite doing much of the hard work himself. Giammetti also serves as Garavani's gatekeeper, controlling access to the designer and wielding significant influence in his own right.
Garavani has a considerable ego, which makes Giammetti's dedication to their partnership all the more remarkable. Their shared commitment to Garavani's success, built on a foundation of deep respect and understanding, has allowed them to create a fashion empire together.
The Friends: Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager
Sometimes the strongest business partnerships are built on pre-existing friendships. This was the case for Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, the founders of the legendary New York nightclub Studio 54. They were best friends from Brooklyn who met in college before venturing into business together.
Rubell and Schrager had very different personalities that complemented each other well. Rubell was charismatic and outgoing, naturally suited to mingling with celebrities at Studio 54. Schrager was more reserved and focused on the business side of their operations. Despite their differences, they chose to split everything equally between them.
Their partnership was tested when they were charged with tax evasion and other crimes related to Studio 54's finances. The government offered Schrager a lighter sentence if he would testify against Rubell, but he refused. They went to prison together, which ultimately strengthened their bond and commitment to each other.
After their release, they vowed to run their businesses with integrity and started a successful hotel venture. Tragically, Rubell died of AIDS just as they were regaining their footing in the business world. Schrager continued on alone, but always felt that their partnership would have achieved even greater heights if Rubell had lived.
Their story demonstrates how partners with deep faith in each other can overcome tremendous challenges and build something truly special by playing to each other's strengths.
Key Lessons from Successful Partnerships
Through these examples and others, several key lessons about successful partnerships emerge:
Mutual Respect: Great partners genuinely respect each other's abilities and contributions. They recognize that their combined efforts are greater than what either could achieve alone.
Complementary Skills: The most effective partnerships often involve people with different but complementary strengths. This allows them to divide responsibilities efficiently and cover each other's weaknesses.
Shared Vision: While partners don't need to agree on everything, they must have a shared overall vision and commitment to their joint goals.
Trust and Loyalty: Successful partners trust each other implicitly and remain loyal even in difficult times. They present a united front to the world.
Open Communication: Great partnerships thrive on constant, open communication. Partners share their thoughts, fears, and ideas freely.
Flexibility: The ability to adapt roles as needed and support each other through changes is crucial for long-term success.
Humility: A willingness to put ego aside for the greater good of the partnership is essential. Keeping score or competing for credit often leads to failure.
Shared Success: The most enduring partnerships find ways to share both the work and the rewards equitably, preventing resentment from building up over time.
Enjoyment: Successful partners genuinely like spending time together and find joy in their shared work.
Integrity: A commitment to ethical behavior and shared values provides a strong foundation for lasting partnerships.
The Power of Two
Throughout "Working Together," Eisner makes a compelling case for the transformative power of well-matched partnerships. While popular culture often celebrates the lone genius, the reality is that many of the most significant achievements in business, art, and other fields are the result of two people working in harmony.
Great partnerships allow individuals to:
- Amplify their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses
- Gain new perspectives and challenge their own assumptions
- Share the burdens of leadership and decision-making
- Provide emotional support during difficult times
- Celebrate successes more fully by sharing them with someone who truly understands the work involved
Perhaps most importantly, strong partnerships can make the journey of building something great far more enjoyable and fulfilling. Humans are fundamentally social creatures, and there's a unique satisfaction in achieving goals alongside someone you trust and respect.
Conclusion
"Working Together" offers valuable insights for anyone looking to build or strengthen a business partnership. By examining the dynamics of some of history's most successful duos, Eisner illuminates the key ingredients that allow two people to achieve extraordinary things together.
The book serves as a reminder that success is rarely a solo endeavor. Behind many great achievements lies a partnership built on mutual respect, shared vision, and a willingness to put the good of the whole above individual ego. For those willing to embrace true collaboration, the potential for success is limitless.
Ultimately, "Working Together" is a celebration of the power of human connection and cooperation. In a world that often feels increasingly divided, Eisner's exploration of successful partnerships offers a hopeful message: when we find the right person to work with and commit to supporting each other, there's no limit to what we can accomplish together.