One of the biggest challenges for project managers, especially those who are also technical experts, is maintaining the right focus. As Dmitri Ivanenko wrote in an insightful blog post, “There needs to be the distinction of when we use our ‘project manager hat’ versus our ‘technical specialist hat.’”

In other words, project managers need to stay focused on managing the project rather than doing the project. Managers who can’t resist the urge to jump in and fix things can get “stuck in the weeds.” They spend their time and attention on tasks that should be left to other team members. Meanwhile, the project drifts off course or stalls due to lack of leadership.

Outstanding project managers in any venue—construction, IT, engineering, or everyday life—have skills beyond technical expertise. They see how all the pieces fit into the big picture. They stay focused on the ultimate goal. They have clarity about their own role as leaders.

In other words, they are generalists.