The strength of the team is each individual member. So let's consider here some interesting team archetypes according to T. Howes:
The oracle VS the prophet
Almost every team has that character —
bearded battle-tested engineer who has been there since the beginning. Such an oracle to whom people come for advice.
But not by bread beard alone: wise programming sensei is undoubtedly invaluable, but you also need people "who are more like a prophet", Mr. Howes says. Companies are interested in the evangelical style of someones who don't sit back and wait for people to come to them.
Reading moon-letters on Thrór's Map or prophesying like a Velva — talent to predict future tendencies is anyway a unique skill. Sharing new ideas with a team and building a development strategy are great benefits for a company. It helps to create an innovative, open-minded company culture and expand business horizons a lot.
The firefighter VS the fire marshal
Engineering teams are very good at putting out fires. And those merry men who respond quickly and keep a grip on themselves are appreciated.
But If you want to get out of such a reactive mode and prevent issues and force majeure in the best possible way,
you need to expand your fire brigade staff.
"As an organization matures, you understand the need for a fire marshal".As you scale your engineering team, find
specialists who are eliminating the causes of fires, not just putting them out.
There is room in your company for different roles: multi-armed Shiva, inspirer and prophet, wise elder, and rebel.
Don't be too conservative and be ready to reevaluate your business needs and adjust your organization's hierarchy.