How to Work with Anyone

by Raluca Graebner

Interacting with people at work can be one of life’s greatest joys—and greatest frustrations. Some coworkers never trust us to do our jobs, or never respond to requests for information, or waste our time with dozens of unnecessary emails. The cost: our work results and personal sanity.

How can you approach workplace interactions with more empathy and less resentment? How can you become more successful when working with “annoying” or “difficult” coworkers? In How to Work with Anyone, you’ll dive into what psychology, communication, and business can teach you about developing effective, gratifying relationships at work.

Raluca Graebner, an executive coach and expert in interpersonal dynamics, uses real-life examples from clients, colleagues, and herself to help you navigate interpersonal differences and access empathy and compassion. You’ll learn why mindset is the key to any workplace collaboration, how to cultivate trust-filled relationships with coworkers, and how to assert your needs and protect your boundaries. In addition, you’ll build a toolkit to influence effectively and to navigate conflict, as well as to stay centered when triggered by a colleague.

Working with other people starts—and ends—with you. And in that full circle sits this insightful, enriching Audible Original.

©2023 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2023 Audible Originals, LLC

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, Business

Audible Audio

Reviews

[Biggest Little Book Talker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This audio book is going to be a very good tool of activity applied.
A lot of it has to do with self awareness in the business field, which leads me to this would be a better book for someone new in their career. The lessons are good for anyone looking to make a difference in their work relationships.
There are solid examples in it that I have learned and used over the years, I do wish that it had more examples for particularly difficult situations but the ones given will suffice for new readers

[Ken Reid · Rating 2 out of 5]

I suppose the lessons are insightful if you take them away and ponder on them for your personal situation, but there's nothing provided that isn't immediately obvious from living in a society with other people that you sometimes converse with.

[Shernell Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hi exchange ideas. It is pretty short I didn't learn anything new that I've been listening from before however it was stimulating.

[Cosmin Fota · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good (enough) book for new manangers or for roles that have issues with colleagues or managers. It's quite basic, so if you don't have the know-how, this audiobook is for you. Plus, it's free.

[Pascal Mensah]

“In the words of neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett, author of “How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain,” “your body and your mind are deeply interconnected… the most important thing you can do to master your emotions, in fact, is to keep your body budget in good shape.” (Barrett, 2017)

- "Things that regulate our body budget, such as getting good sleep, eating nutritious food, exercising, cultivating human connection, practicing meditation and breadthwork, and coming into contact with nature. These are essential to our long-term ability to stay centered. There are no shortcuts, and the evidence is overwhelming."

"What are options if you find yourself being triggered and want to respond thoughtfully? What then?"

- “Going back to the interconnectedness between body and brain: change something in you body budget so your brain has different interruptive signals (from our body) to chew on…take a walk, go for a run, do jumping jacks…breathing slowly…basically move our bodies. It is the first port of call to change our brains”
- “Another thing that helps is changing your location…change the context”
- “Call upon activities that are gratifying to us”

"To conclude...there is not such thing as getting to a point where we never get triggered. Life is a never-ending practice of coming back to center. The question is not how to stay calm. A better question is 'when i am thrown off center, how do I come back to center, faster?' "

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook offers valuable insights into navigating interpersonal dynamics, especially in moments of conflict. One of its most powerful reminders is the question: Do you want to be right, or do you want to preserve the relationship? Conflicts often stem from each person believing their perspective is correct. In many cases, both may be right from their own point of view. However, when the relationship matters (whether it's with a coworker, friend, or family member), finding a resolution that maintains mutual respect and connection is far more beneficial than "winning" the argument.

[Lenka Příplatová · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a tidy crash course in workplace relationships—practical without being revolutionary. Graebner, an executive coach, walks you through tools like building trust, setting boundaries, giving feedback, and managing conflict—all rooted in psychology and real-life examples.

If you haven’t read many management or interpersonal books, this is a solid starter: nothing marvellous, but it works. The structure is tight (six episodes, each focused), and the advice is easy to digest and immediately actionable.

[Cole Pate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing in this book is new or revolutionary, but it gives a really great overview of topics like boundaries, conflict resolution, and personality types regarding workplace relationships. The last chapter on triggers and mindfulness was not the greatest, but overall it’s a good read if only for the first 4 chapters.

[Joji Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will help in navigating the complexities of interpersonal dynamics. Graebner offers invaluable advice on fostering effective communication & collaboration in any professional setting. Good read for anyone seeking to enhance their interpersonal skills & build stronger, more productive relationships in the workplace.

[Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has some really good points on how to work with people in difficult and different circumstances, but it wasn't quite what I expected.

It's a fairly short book, so I might try listening to it again to see if I can get more out of it...

[Brad McKeehan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine crash course on relational systems and emotional intelligence when it comes to dealing with conflict as it applies to the workplace.

[Debbie Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful guide to empahty and cooperation in the workplace. It's an interacdtive book with exercises and questions for the reader or listener to answer.

[Reem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light Read!
Contained useful methods to level up your effective communication

[Mia Andrews · Rating 1 out of 5]

Everything she says has been said in better business books with more depth. She also exclusively focuses on white audiences as if the business works doesn’t include other ethnicities

[Krista Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Common sense, but would be a helpful book for folks starting their first job.

[Nancy Seamons · Rating 3 out of 5]

worthwhile ideas

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and insightful. I highly recommend for anyone looking for professional development.

[Oscar Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet, with a lot of great advice.

[Gavin Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Paul Botterill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this useful and informative. Some useful hints and tips for helping others (and yourself) work with others, especially those you do not have good working relationships with.