Ryan is the VP of Creative at HUDDL DESIGN. They’re a startup creating amazing designs from acoustic panels for interior spaces.
Recently he told me how amazing it is working with his partners because there isn’t a sense of ego or politics. He shared an example with me (and which I share with his permission):
He was putting together a RFP, but was struggling with “designer’s block”. He had ideas for the pitch but couldn’t quite get started. Ryan openly admitted that to one of the other partners. Even though design is his area of focus, his partner hopped on a video call and they brainstormed ideas - even going as far as creating some ideas in Powerpoint as it was the easiest tool for both of them to collaborate. Together they pushed past the block and Ryan did amazing work on the final RFP presentation. (I saw it, it was very cool ;-)
In an organization or team where politics have taken over and people are climbing over others on the corporate ladder, this kind of teamwork is rare. You may have superstars who get things done, but their efforts can’t go as far as the team could go together. Put ego aside.