Job Titles/Roles
Discussion
I'm currently in an IT architect job working within Project Delivery so I face off to business change type function. I report into a Head of Technology for my business area.
When I arrived someone at our org one guy had the self proclaimed title of "Chief" architect. History of this was unknown but I get the impression they played another role which was the official role and decided to stake the flag on architecture.
They've had a change and said person is now defined as "Lead" architect, but now not doing the original role.
There was nothing advertised internally but can this be going on? Lead would indicate you lead a team, set objectives, strategy etc but it's not clear at all. This particular person really isn't an architect but thats bye the bye.
Should I challenge this with HR or keep my head down?
I feel disappointed when they ask about your feelings in surveys about progression you feel you are getting in the role and this happens its not really on.
When I arrived someone at our org one guy had the self proclaimed title of "Chief" architect. History of this was unknown but I get the impression they played another role which was the official role and decided to stake the flag on architecture.
They've had a change and said person is now defined as "Lead" architect, but now not doing the original role.
There was nothing advertised internally but can this be going on? Lead would indicate you lead a team, set objectives, strategy etc but it's not clear at all. This particular person really isn't an architect but thats bye the bye.
Should I challenge this with HR or keep my head down?
I feel disappointed when they ask about your feelings in surveys about progression you feel you are getting in the role and this happens its not really on.
fourstardan said:
it's actually influence, I have strong feelings about the way things have been run in my field.
I'd hope that the improvements would assist my bonus, although for 1 to 2% is it worth the aggro.
Deep gut feel is keep head down as this guys more exposed than ever now.
If I can give you my twopence on the subject (having been an Exec Dir/CCO for large outfits I’ve faced this a few times) and if you’re holding out for a bit of a bonus and you’re good at your job then suggest you look elsewhere (you’ll get a min 20% bump in salary straight off) and then you’ll be paid what you’re truly worth plus your current employee may counter offer when you resign.I'd hope that the improvements would assist my bonus, although for 1 to 2% is it worth the aggro.
Deep gut feel is keep head down as this guys more exposed than ever now.
If the title/status means more then stay put and maybe the dice will roll in your favour but you should question yourself if you’re really focussing on what really matters
Jasey_ said:
Change you PH name to Fivestardan and show him that 
.
Wtf does this even mean.Nick Forest said:
If I can give you my twopence on the subject (having been an Exec Dir/CCO for large outfits I’ve faced this a few times) and if you’re holding out for a bit of a bonus and you’re good at your job then suggest you look elsewhere (you’ll get a min 20% bump in salary straight off) and then you’ll be paid what you’re truly worth plus your current employee may counter offer when you resign.
If the title/status means more then stay put and maybe the dice will roll in your favour but you should question yourself if you’re really focussing on what really matters
Yes moving on a better route for the money, but as I said it's not going to be massive.If the title/status means more then stay put and maybe the dice will roll in your favour but you should question yourself if you’re really focussing on what really matters
It isn't about the title if I'm being honest more providing some more experience and responsibility. There always seems to be someone getting this when I've worked in this field for 20 odd years now.
fourstardan said:
I'm currently in an IT architect job working within Project Delivery so I face off to business change type function. I report into a Head of Technology for my business area.
When I arrived someone at our org one guy had the self proclaimed title of "Chief" architect. History of this was unknown but I get the impression they played another role which was the official role and decided to stake the flag on architecture.
They've had a change and said person is now defined as "Lead" architect, but now not doing the original role.
There was nothing advertised internally but can this be going on? Lead would indicate you lead a team, set objectives, strategy etc but it's not clear at all. This particular person really isn't an architect but thats bye the bye.
Should I challenge this with HR or keep my head down?
I feel disappointed when they ask about your feelings in surveys about progression you feel you are getting in the role and this happens its not really on.
I can’t see what you’re expecting to challenge with HR - can you spell it out? Are you feeling you were overlooked for a role that this bod has got?When I arrived someone at our org one guy had the self proclaimed title of "Chief" architect. History of this was unknown but I get the impression they played another role which was the official role and decided to stake the flag on architecture.
They've had a change and said person is now defined as "Lead" architect, but now not doing the original role.
There was nothing advertised internally but can this be going on? Lead would indicate you lead a team, set objectives, strategy etc but it's not clear at all. This particular person really isn't an architect but thats bye the bye.
Should I challenge this with HR or keep my head down?
I feel disappointed when they ask about your feelings in surveys about progression you feel you are getting in the role and this happens its not really on.
It’s usually HR who are the instigators, trying to make a hierarchy where there isn’t one. In my old job we had principle engineers with no one reporting into them.
Tbh job title only matters when looking for your next one. I’ve changed some job titles on my cv as they didn’t make sense outside that organization.
Tbh job title only matters when looking for your next one. I’ve changed some job titles on my cv as they didn’t make sense outside that organization.
Christ, you should see the state of my company after a Management Consultant led reorg. Most people have totally baloney made up job titles, sanctioned by HR. Plus add in the internal salary vs market matching salary bands, there are people hired recently being paid 50% more than 'loyal' people they are reporting into. At first I thought this was outrageous, but have since learned through professional HR youtubers that its common practice.
Best way is to play the game and leave for a position more suited to your expectations, in terms of influence and pay.
Best way is to play the game and leave for a position more suited to your expectations, in terms of influence and pay.
Edited by wyson on Monday 1st July 22:15
fourstardan said:
it's actually influence, I have strong feelings about the way things have been run in my field.
.
This is a little misguided. Your influence boils down to much more than your title. With the possible exception of the armed forces..
Unfortunately the few people over the years who have had this view are usually disappointed when they get the title they so covet. Nothing changes, it’s a bunch of other factors, in your control not HRs, that influence your influence.
I've trekked reasonably successfully through life aiming for the shortest simplest job titles possible because I can't be bothered writing out long titles on official forms and correspondance etc.
I have simply allowed my winning personality to shine through. (This may not be applicable to IT roles.)
I have simply allowed my winning personality to shine through. (This may not be applicable to IT roles.)
I do think title is important as it can often shape people's immediate opinion of you, your seniority and the value of your word, often before they even meet you.
Naturally, once they speak to you and realise you know your stuff you can turn that around, but it can put you on the back foot for no good reason.
Money over title always but the two really should be aligned.
The department I work in has had lots of people hired on various grades and titles many of which didn't make any sense and they are currently re aligning them which is good, also an eye opener to see the titles some people are being given due to their grade, which has essentially outed them to the rest of the team as being a higher grade than expected based on how useful and knowledgeable they actually are.
I'm happy with my title and what I earn so that's all that matters, but this sort of stuff always has potential to be contentious and is best done right first time.
Naturally, once they speak to you and realise you know your stuff you can turn that around, but it can put you on the back foot for no good reason.
Money over title always but the two really should be aligned.
The department I work in has had lots of people hired on various grades and titles many of which didn't make any sense and they are currently re aligning them which is good, also an eye opener to see the titles some people are being given due to their grade, which has essentially outed them to the rest of the team as being a higher grade than expected based on how useful and knowledgeable they actually are.
I'm happy with my title and what I earn so that's all that matters, but this sort of stuff always has potential to be contentious and is best done right first time.
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