Atlas, glad someone likes my ramblings.
I wonder how those 3 categories work in a very specialized field?
My company works in precision measurement. The stars of the show are mostly the scientists and a few of the top engineers that are developing the new techniques, methods technology etc.
In my current position of drawing checking & design verification for the more mundane mechanical items I don't think it would matter how over acheiving I am/was I'll never hit cat 3 because it's not perceived my many as critical to the company. Heck, wasn't long ago my now Director who claims to value me & my role was supposedly telling the board of directors that I was firmly in cat 1!
Like I said though, I think it may be the company, hence I'm keeping an eye out.
That said my direct manager does value me etc and I've actually got pretty flexible hours. I'll let him know I'm gonna be out but I don't normally ask permission unless I think there may be an issue. He also kicks me out early last day of the week sometimes too!
KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...