Ev Williams, in an internal memo to Medium employees:

This is a startup. That’s a bit of a loaded word these days - and a confusing one. What I mean is simply this: Our business is not sustainable yet. We are not simply trying to grow something or optimize something, we’re trying to jump-start an engine of growth and goodness from scratch.

Our success is not guaranteed. In fact, statistically speaking, it’s unlikely. As cliche as it sounds, we really are all in this together. There is no room for ego battles, infighting, or putting one’s own interests ahead of the group’s. In fact:

Your interests are the group’s.

Extremely well said. This attitude shows up in the great work the company puts out. And, here’s one of my favorite parts:

Don’t focus on your status, role, or rank. Humans are wired to compare themselves to those around them. But where you are on the “holarchy” is not a reflection of contribution, and everyone knows that. Be defined by how much you help, not your title.

It’s not about you, it’s about the team.