Ego

“Don't let your ego get too close to your position, so that if your position gets shot down, your ego doesn't go with it.”

― Colin Powell 

Said a bit tongue in cheek, General Powell is suggesting that one not allow one's ego to get in the way of success. Yes, you want credit to be attributed to you; but importantly, success derives from your own hard work, as well as frequently the input of others, either now or in the past. Moreover, should your efforts fail for any reason, you do not have to remain so attached to your ego so as to feel totally defeated. Success is a multiple-action-person event.