How do architect who do not code add value to a software team?

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AI Summary

Summary: The Role of Architects in Software Engineering Teams

• Introduction
  • Discussion about the value of architects in software engineering teams.
• Initial Thoughts
  • The speaker expresses frustration with architects who don’t code.
  • Architects traditionally had system design training but their role is being questioned.
• Transition in Skill Sets
  • Old-time architects mimicked roles from other industries.
  • The IT industry is moving away from traditional roles that don’t add value.
• Architects’ Knowledge and Involvement
  • Some architects have knowledge of cloud services and third-party software.
  • Many lack deep software development knowledge.
  • The speaker has interviewed many architects and found a lack of execution skills.
• Architects as Middle Managers
  • Non-coding architects are seen as glorified middle managers.
  • Their main tasks are writing documentation and facilitating meetings.
• Traditional Business and Management
  • The speaker discusses the traditional business focus on titles and roles.
  • Middle managers often lack the qualifications for their positions.
  • Their primary skill is facilitating discussions.
• Comparison to Politicians
  • Politicians often lack background in the areas they legislate.
  • They rely on others to inform their decisions.
• The Average Architect’s Role
  • Many architects and managers lack a real understanding of IT.
  • They act as middlemen between stakeholders and the actual doers.
• The Value of Architects
  • Architects traditionally add value by facilitating discussions.
  • The speaker believes that senior software developers can perform architects’ tasks.
• The Ideal Architect
  • The architect role should be a badge of honor for mastery in software development.
  • Architects should be able to guide and execute technical visions.
• Changing Industry Perception
  • Companies are starting to train senior developers for architectural roles.
  • The speaker advocates for architects who can execute, not just facilitate.
• Conclusion
  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of execution skills for architects.
  • The role of architects is evolving to require more hands-on software development knowledge.

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