How does the ego relate to self-actualization. Does the ego have any kind of role in self-actualization.

Dropping the Ego — Self-actualized as compared to self-absorbed by Waynce C. Allen is one of the first results in my Google search for answers about the ego and self-actualization.

A distinction is made by Allen between Self-actualized and self-absorbed. The ego he describes as wanting attention, specialness, and nags us to obtain this attention and specialness.

Like others he also points to a distinction between our egos and our true selves. 

This article is a worthy read for a perspective of the ego in terms of self-actualization, specifically how the ego is an obstacle to self-actualization.

Dropping the Ego — Self-actualized as compared to self-absorbed