Over a decade ago, Weyerhaeuser set up a dual track program between managers and technologists, recognizing the fact that they were truly separate tracks, requiring totally different skills. This meant that a technologist didn't need to go into management in order to continue growing salary. It was a sound and reasonable solution to keeping the best of all worlds.

And where is this initiative today?

A main business was sold off, the IBM Mainframe went away, project management was all but abandoned, services were outsourced and the dual track system was scrapped.

One of the Directors (who was behind the IBM Mainframe) claims the Mainframe is coming back. I think he's delusional.

And the CEO is running for political office.

See? It's a perfect world, with everything in equilibrium.