The major issue is that as you move up the ladder, the specific types of skills you need change. Being a good problem solver doesn't make you a good people mana

The major issue is that as you move up the ladder, the specific types of skills you need change. Being a good problem solver doesn't make you a good people manager nor a good budget planner, etc. Even if someone had the skills they needed for the higher level position, that doesn't mean they would enjoy it to the same degree as what they chose to seek a position in. More often then not, the pay bump of a promotion is the consolation for taking on a much worse job.