How to do Great Work Without Being an Asshole by Paul Woods

How to Do Great Work Without Being an Asshole is a practical, illustrated guide designed to help creatives in various industries improve their work environment and productivity. The book challenges the long-held belief that toxic cultures are necessary for great work, offering strategies to build a better office culture, deal with egos, and improve meeting etiquette. It's packed with anecdotes, self-analysis flowcharts, humorous graphics, and action plans for better working practices, making it a fun and engaging read for creatives at all levels. The book addresses hot topics such as pitching and scoping best practices, creative briefings, constructive feedback, presentations, workload management, client relationships, hiring, and firing. It provides simple strategies to create a happier, more productive team and ultimately produce better work. Whether you're a director or a junior employee, this guide offers valuable insights to develop the ultimate creative process and bring your productivity and teamwork to a new level.

Reviews

Goodreads · 2025-12-22

Good 4.10

The book is a straight-talking, fun read that offers practical advice and exercises for professionals in various creative fields. It's a valuable guide for anyone looking to improve their work and professional relationships.

Goodreads reviewers have praised 'How to Do Great Work Without Being an Asshole' as a straight-talking and fun read. The book is seen as a valuable guide for professionals in design, advertising, publishing, fashion, or film. It offers practical advice and exercises that help readers improve their working practices and maintain positive relationships. The book's straightforward approach and engaging content make it accessible to a wide audience, from directors to juniors. Reviewers appreciate the actionable advice and humorous insights that make the book both entertaining and informative.

Quick quotes

This is a straight-talking, fun read for all Director or junior, at an agency or client-side, working in design, advertising, publishing, fashion, or film.

Packed with anecdotes, self-analysis flowcharts (are YOU the asshole?!), humorous graphics, and helpful exercises and action plans for better working practices.

The book is a valuable guide for professionals in various creative fields.

LinkedIn · Michael 'Bench' Debevec · 2025-12-22

Good 4.00

The book is a practical guide filled with anecdotes and exercises that help professionals navigate the creative industries. It's a fun read that provides actionable advice for better working practices.

Michael 'Bench' Debevec found the book to be a practical guide that offers a lot of useful advice for professionals in creative fields. He particularly enjoyed the anecdotes and exercises that make the book engaging and actionable. The book is straightforward and fun, making it accessible to everyone from directors to juniors. He appreciated the self-analysis flowcharts and humorous graphics that add a layer of self-reflection and entertainment. Overall, it's a book that can help anyone improve their working practices while maintaining a positive and respectful environment.

Quick quotes

I didn't expect to write a review of it, but it's a book that's worth talking about.

The book is a practical guide filled with anecdotes and exercises that help professionals navigate the creative industries.

It's a fun read that provides actionable advice for better working practices.

Creative Review · 2019-07-03

Good 3.50

The book is part of a growing trend of creative self-help books that offer practical advice and humorous insights. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their work and professional relationships.

Creative Review notes that 'How to Do Great Work Without Being an Asshole' is part of a growing trend of creative self-help books that provide practical advice and humorous insights. The book is seen as a valuable resource for professionals in creative industries, offering tips on how to work effectively and maintain positive relationships. The format and content are designed to appeal to a wide audience, making it accessible and engaging. The reviewer highlights the book's focus on self-improvement and professional development, making it a useful tool for anyone looking to enhance their career.

Quick quotes

How To Do Great Work Without Being An Asshole by Paul Woods – also published by Laurence King.

Johnson's book's format deliberately appeals to a wide audience.

The book is seen as a valuable resource for professionals in creative industries.

Appears in Lists

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