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This is certainly not normal across PE. As you noted, you are on a very small team and things sound very political. Every firm will have it's own dynamics, especially when it comes to the founder or partners, but what you are describing doesn't sound like a well-run shop. At most quality firms, even the sharp-elbowed ones with less than stellar reputations, seniors and mid-levels at least have respect for another and value the opinions that individuals bring. At the two firms I've worked at, if you are smart and do good work, people want to hear what you have to say and they'll want to work with you. There are certainly one-offs where a partner knows a sr. associate / VPs dad or something but beyond that, your situation does not sound ideal