From my understanding, at Valve, everyone has the chance to make ripples, and it will in affect everyone else. Some people will make bigger splashes than other while others will always just ride that wave that fills out the puddle, but everyone has that chance to do something they want.
It's in human nature that we group and create a hierarchy within said groups. My current team has a flat structure as well, but some of our best guys follow the lead of the louder, stronger personalities. Not because they're weak, but because we look out for one another and they would rather work on their project in peace while people like me stomp around. Sure, the louder folks need to know when to back down and share. Not everyone needs to rule the roost, and those who try eventually get weeded out because they make everyone else uncomfortable. They get kicked off projects and not invited back. Like natural selection.
It's my opinion that this kind of group dynamic is why Valve is so picky when it comes to hiring. That and they can be. They've always sought out the best for their company and in turn, their company is doing the best it can.
But yeah, awesome talk by Chet Faliszek. Valve would be an awesome group to create in!
