when I'm working as an architect, my job is to put myself out of a job by teaching everyone to be an architect - for themselves and for each other. that admixture of high and low level concerns breeds really effective teams. with the side bonus that everyone has a chance to grow into larger responsibilities.
"my job is to put myself out of a job by teaching everyone to be an architect"
I used to do that but it's a dangerous game. If you don't make sure to still be very visible to management further up, you end up with a stalled career or being laid off.