> the one that actually creates value
No. We all create value. Businesses, when running smoothly, are like a well oiled machine. Nothing is redundant. Garbage is collected. Businesses is cutthroat industries cannot afford to be redundant.
I always wondered why all cars had 4 wheels. Turns out, the 3 wheeled car is horrible (see Top Gear), a 5 wheeled car is pointless, and a 2 wheeled car is a motorcycle. But when you're a kid, compact jet propulsion or anti-gravity doesn't seem so difficult. But that's also why you're a kid.
I started a business thinking everyone can be their own executive, worker, and entrepreneur. They could handle their own responsibilities, manage their work, and do that work. Unfortunately, we had to go through a lot of them. Utopia wasn't working, but they were also miserable. It wasn't what they wanted, expected, or enjoyed. They all loved the idea though, including myself.
Fast forward five years, and my car has 4 wheels. I am the "founder". I decide where the business should go, lay out the work that needs to be done, and hand it over. The "executive" is then responsible for that work getting done. They hand it over to the "employees" in a way that is efficient and accountable. The third group just needs to accomplish the tasks they promised to do for the money they agreed on.
I'll see your scumbag executive and raise you my wrench throwing employee and delusional founder -- that would be me. I'd like to think 4 years ago, but who the hell knows.
If you wish to manage responsibilities, join the managers. If you wish to drive the ship, join the founders. And this is your correct career path.
An employee who believes they are better than the founder or executive is already holding a wrench.