Rockefeller On Collaboration

If you think you can conquer the world with your own brilliance, I urge you to open a biography.

John D. Rockefeller, America’s first billionaire and one of the most successful businessmen in history, said, "I would rather earn 1% off a 100 people's efforts than 100% of my own efforts" (pg. 45 - Random Reminiscences of Men and Events, 1909).

One vital character trait, shared by visionaries including Jobs, Disney, and Bezos, is to surround yourself with the smartest people you can find, and recognize that their combined expertise will always surpass your own.

When talented people collaborate, they create a feedback loop of excellence. Their individual perspectives will lead to innovative solutions that one person could never achieve alone.

Talented people are also drawn to work with other talented people. By nurturing an environment for A-players, your company will develop a reputation that attracts the best from every discipline.

So, I encourage you to learn from some of the most successful leaders in our history: forget about being a one person show, and find those better than yourself.

(It’s worth the brief hit to your ego.)




Simon Archibald
Executive Creative Director