As a manager, I’m looking at how my principals are helping the team move past big hurdles. Their ability to write code is a given, and they still do it (though not as much as they did, or at least not the same type of code). But are they mentoring and pair-programming with junior team members? Can they take what the BA/PM ask and turn it into meaningful technical tasks (that’s part of my job too - I try to lead that exercise, but need them as a sanity check and to stay on top of new things I might miss). Can they talk to a customer in a useful way (not too technical, not condescending) and do whatever problem is being discussed? Are they a go-to resource for other teams? Are senior leaders dropping in to ask them questions?

I’m definitely not looking at the raw number of Jura tasks here close. But I’m not looking at that for junior devs either.

Edit - usually, the more junior drive are more in awe of the principals. I’ve never encountered one who outwardly seemed to think the principal wasn’t contributing. More than likely, the principal was actively helping them get their own tasks done.