Ask HN: Next Steps on Leadership Growth
During the time the CTO was being interviewed I just so happened to have my review with the CEO and he presented me with a question on my next steps and growth with the company. As the company is growing the CEO is also establishing an org chart that he's been working on for over 6 months.
My understanding of my role as the VP Of Eng is that I am tasked with establishing the engineer practice, hiring of engineers, solving issues at the organizational level and managing other managers/leads etc.
The CEO's vision would be to have people specialize in one area with me being presented the role of "Head of Backend".
The question I'm trying to gain clarity on is what is the difference between VP of Engineering and Head of Backend given that we have multiple engineering disciplines (React Native, Frontend and Backend).
Right now I wear the following hats:
- Lead on projects max of 2 (small PM tasks, full feature coding , PR reviewing, system Architect, direct client engagement among other tasks), consultant of many.
- Part of a team of Sr Engineers to redefine our engineering departments and design practices/work flows(building tools, documentation, best practice / structure)
- Hiring Backend developers, 1:1 and mentoring Solution Architect/Problem solver (may be brought in to help solve full tech solutions no matter the discipline. The issue usually starts as a backend need and then goes into Frontend or Mobile implementation/needs)
The issue I'm having here is how to decide on what my next steps are but also if I choose Head of Backend could that be seen as a demotion or should it be seen as a restructure in limiting the need to wear multiple hats and having a clear career growth path.