Anyone who is a creative, works with creatives, manages creatives, or leads creatives—which should be just about everyone—needs to watch the Peter Jackson documentary The Beatles: Get Back on the Disney Channel.
Here we see the dynamics of four very special people under significant time pressure, working together to create the core songs of the Get Back album in preparation for a scheduled live performance. Many of the songs which were developed are now classics, and most were put together during these three weeks.
This documentary records both the dysfunction of the group and the joy of the group. (For example, George Harrison surprised everyone by temporarily quitting the Beatles during this project.) It also shows the dynamic relationship between master craftsmanship, intense discipline, and unbridled play—all of which I think are needed for the best creative projects. It even gives a sense of how people who wish to support such a complex group of creatives should act.
This documentary is a lesson in group collaboration at the very highest level. And it’s also great fun to watch.