You Are Not Your Idea

I've been reading Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull recently, and it's a fascinating book about the history of Pixar and some things that Catmull has learned over the course of running one of the most successful creative companies in the last 20 years. One of the most interesting passages of the book describes how candour (or "candor" if you're American) has become an important part of the company's culture. An extended excerpt was published here online around the time that the book was published.

This part in particular struck a chord with me:

The film — not the filmmaker — is under the microscope. This principle eludes most people, but it is critical: You are not your idea, and if you identify too closely with your ideas, you will take offense when challenged.