It also requires that the engineer be within an organization where they have a reasonable expectations that their attempt will be well-received. I know I have spent time in organizations where attempting to go above and beyond your "place" as an engineer is punished harshly.
You could talk about all the things it 'takes' to be great at your job, or you could just come up with your own idea of greatness and chase that. Eventually you'll outgrow your current position. Whether you get promoted or find another job at that point is an implementation detail.
That's the theory, yes. In practice, many engineers are averse to unemployment, and will be discouraged from pursuing particular notions of greatness that risk it.
