It’s great at the top isn’t it?

Of course we all want to be promoted, don’t we?

The aspiration of every young trainee is to better herself, to climb up the greasy pole, to get to the top. Of course it is.

But what happens when we make it to partner, to managing director, to being the leader?

For many, rather like winning the lottery, it’s just not going to happen. But spare a thought for those who do make it big.

Leadership carries responsibility. The bigger the role the more the demands.

A good few years ago I worked with a senior manager who told me he had no interest in being a partner. Those around him were sceptical initially. They thought it was a bluff, a cunning plan to disguise his secret ambition for power.

But no. He was happy where he was. He was happy in the amount of responsibility he had. He was satisfied with the reputation he had acquired for delivery and integrity.

He also had a life. His family were important to him, like for all of us. He chose the amount of time he could spend with them, and did his best to stick with his decision.

Looking back I have respect for him. To find your level, to define your place, to know your limitations, it seems to me is a good thing.

To chase a false dream is a crime against yourself. Sometimes the siren lure of money or fame beckon strong.

I’ve made it a habit to study the qualities of leaders for many years now. They hardly ever say that money is their prime motivation.

If I can’t have it all, maybe there is greater satisfaction in fulfilling the role that really is “me”.

It may or may not be “the top”, whatever that is.

An important clue to gauge what our best job might look like, is to reflect on the two or three best work experiences over the last five years. What was I doing that really fired me up?

Then make this the target.