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From software architect to what?

By MatthewAdams ·
Hello All,

I'm an experienced enterprise software architect, currently working in the Pacific Northwest. For more than a year now, I have been considering a transition into a leadership position, but I am not sure which kind of position is rightfor me.

I really enjoy using new technology tempered by good software design to build great systems. While I really enjoy building things, I am also discovering that software development is fundamentally a social activity, involving the participation of many different personalities. I consider myself to be a fairly good communicator, but realize that there is always room for improvement.

Is there some CxO position that I should be targeting specifically? Should I be focusing on building my own consultancy? Should I stick with the company at which I currently work? Should I find a small or a large company to begin my leadership transition?

Your comments and opinions are welcome.

Thanks,
Matthew

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Add the people associated skills

by http://stobie.home.sprynet.com/work/ In reply to From software architect t ...

I would recommend you expand your expertise to include facilitation, technology interpretation (translating from non-technical business lingo to technicial lingo), requirements integration (seeing the many sides of the business requirements and integrating them seamlessly)

This will make you a business-aware and adaptable software architect.

You also need to pick up if you haven't already program and project management skills.

At this point you should be well qualified for most technical leadership positions, and lead your strengths guide you into the path best for you.

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I'll amplify the need for facilitation skills

by skipbreathe In reply to Add the people associated ...

There is no doubt that a person aspiring to be promoted should build technical skills. I want to amplify the other recommendation to gather the required facilitation skills. I'll add that a technical person - absolutely - needs as much business education as they can get, including the much admired/maligned MBA.

Facilitation skills are harder to come by. I took a course from MG Rush (www.mgrush.com, I think) and it really changed the way I run meetings. More importantly, it changed the way I manage people in all situations. I recommend that you make yourself a trained facilitator so you can better understand how groups and teams work together.

- Skip B

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