> If you’re valued, you’ll likely see a clear path for advancement and development, you might get more strategic roles and involvement in key decisions. If you are just useful, your role might feel more stagnant.
I think it might just be the organization or people. I know a lot of engineers that don't want to progress to management or other "strategic" roles. They're happy doing what they're doing and they often complain about a culture that expects them to grow in these very narrowly defined bands that eschews technical ability.
Framing it this way as though to truly "value" an employee you have to expand the scope and nature of his work does more harm that good. I think it's more about having an honest conversation with management and set expectations. Management often doesn't want to mess up something if it's going well so may not take initiative.
I think this is missing the point. I have been at the same level in organizations where people really cared what you thought. They ask, invite you to councils, show you future plans. And I have had similar roles where I was shut out. The point is not whether you want to advance or not. Are you valued?
I think it might just be the organization or people. I know a lot of engineers that don't want to progress to management or other "strategic" roles. They're happy doing what they're doing and they often complain about a culture that expects them to grow in these very narrowly defined bands that eschews technical ability.
Framing it this way as though to truly "value" an employee you have to expand the scope and nature of his work does more harm that good. I think it's more about having an honest conversation with management and set expectations. Management often doesn't want to mess up something if it's going well so may not take initiative.