While most of this is true, it applies far wider than just to "staff engineers". How much influence and direction you can assert hugely depends on how much trust and autonomy you are given by your manager even if you are a VP of engineering, Director of Engineering, a Technical Lead, an Architect or even a Senior or non-Senior engineer. I've seen cases where each of them could significantly influence mid-size company technical direction, but also get ignored.<p>And come to thing of it, I've seen it play out in Product Management, Design and even C-level suites.<p>Obviously, those in higher positions have more experience recognizing lack of alignment so they "part ways" sooner rather than later.