[donavanm]

The phrase at my current work place is Promtion Oriented Architecture. Ive seen three general approaches, that I like.

First the role descriptions & leveling guidelines have deemphasized complexity. Words like complex, large, feature, or new have been reduced or replaced where possible.

Second there an emphasis on (business) value delivered. Fixing a broken system can provide as much or more long term value than building an additional or replacement system. Building a baroque ivory tower is actually a negative. This also ties back to point one.

Third all senior role promotions include target level peer review, alongside the manager/candidate “promo doc.” The candidates potential peers perform an assessment of the body of work, leadership contributions, and results delivered. This is not limited to the most recent delivery/project/team. There are typically two assessors; one organizationally “near” the candidate and one “far.” For senior staff/principal/distinguished engineer positions theres also a mandatory peer review board.

[babesh]

No wonder so many people are kissing up to the senior engineers.