If someone is valued, they will at least get pulled into private, 1-1 conversations with one of those people pulling all the strings.
No matter if their suggestions would be followed, their opinion would be heard, which ultimately establishes how valued one is.
I've seen this happen more than once, and most often, that person was recommended as the successor for who they advised.
I've been on both sides, and I like being "valued" that way: otherwise, I just feel like I am not contributing with the best I can provide, and not enjoying the ride.
It's just who I am, and it's not about "never being happy" — we all aspire to some things, and this beats compensation to me.
No matter if their suggestions would be followed, their opinion would be heard, which ultimately establishes how valued one is.
I've seen this happen more than once, and most often, that person was recommended as the successor for who they advised.
I've been on both sides, and I like being "valued" that way: otherwise, I just feel like I am not contributing with the best I can provide, and not enjoying the ride.
It's just who I am, and it's not about "never being happy" — we all aspire to some things, and this beats compensation to me.