I'm more talking about personal growth, not hiring someone fresh. As an IC, it becomes hard for people to move the needle further and further *unless* they star

I'm more talking about personal growth, not hiring someone fresh. As an IC, it becomes hard for people to move the needle further and further *unless* they start taking on more interpersonal responsibilities. Even for hiring in the circumstances you describe, I don't think you're wrong per se. But there aren't many situations or people where I'd prefer someone who just wants to sit in a corner and code vs someone who can do all the other stuff at a high level too.