I suppose whether or not one has to subjugate the ego depends on the extent to which one has a need to dominate, or get one's own way, or be right.

I reckon collaboration comes really easily when what you're doing is having a load of fun with your mates (with the presupposition that there is mutual respect - otherwise you wouldn't be real mates would you?), whether you're writing a song, cooking a meal, telling gags or just doing something you all want to do.

Sounds like the kind of exercise we could all get a lot from, egos permitting.