The problem is not the level, its the pay scale. You have a developer and he’s/she’s top notch and deserves top notch pay. You have to make them an SVP at the upper end of the payscale to pay them what they are worth so that they don’t leave for money elsewhere. So now you have a SVP IC.
I know tons of folks who like what they do and are good at. They just want to get paid what they are worth. They could care less as to what title you give them. If it turns out they can make more money somewhere else with the title of LowLevelWorker III, they don’t care, they will follow the money. SVP of Excellence, LowLevelWorker III, Captain Coder….whatever…..bottom line, what’s the pay.
That’s harsh Frank, what about company culture. Don’t you want to work here at Citi, cuz of culture.
Company culture does not pay the bills. If you don’t believe me give it a shot. Go to the bank and tell them you don’t want to pay your mortgage in cash anymore and that you’d like to pay your mortgage with “company culture”. See how far that goes. I tried paying my electric bill with company culture it did not work out so well.