I think it's this, but this is just one symptom of the real problem, which is too many so-called "non-tech" people in the tech industry. There's no way a person who isn't a really good programmer (or something close to it) can effectively make decisions on a day-to-day basis. That's why managers have to guess or defer to a tech lead when it comes to real technical decisions/conversations (hence the tech lead who lives in meetings with the client).
To use a metaphor, imagine if a project manager at a car company boasted about "not being a car person", or couldn't explain how the main parts (like the engine) worked. Yet, this is pretty much the norm in many areas of the industry; tech is a cash cow, so it's attracted people with a desire for money where their knowledge and experience should be. You can't really fake it being a programmer, so they've only been able to infiltrate managerial positions.
(And to be clear, the way the tech industry supports people learning is fucking tops. I'm not talking about those people, I'm talking about people (mostly managers) who are not concerned about their basic lack of knowledge)
To use a metaphor, imagine if a project manager at a car company boasted about "not being a car person", or couldn't explain how the main parts (like the engine) worked. Yet, this is pretty much the norm in many areas of the industry; tech is a cash cow, so it's attracted people with a desire for money where their knowledge and experience should be. You can't really fake it being a programmer, so they've only been able to infiltrate managerial positions.
(And to be clear, the way the tech industry supports people learning is fucking tops. I'm not talking about those people, I'm talking about people (mostly managers) who are not concerned about their basic lack of knowledge)
Yes, I'm also cynical.