Yes, it is. A lot of companies run like you've seen, but that's not how it should be. For instance, if I have to talk to tech people about that aspect of a pro

Yes, it is. A lot of companies run like you've seen, but that's not how it should be. For instance, if I have to talk to tech people about that aspect of a project I'm working on, if we're talking about technical risk, I should have some different perspectives from a senior engineer that will influence our back and forth. For example, it's common for engineers to switch jobs every year or two and knowing that means I would know to ask questions specifically about what our tech risk would look like if we don't update the stack/tools for the next five years (say if I know the exec team won't fund upgrades or the non-technical parts of the organization are resistant to change). Or if we'd be able to hire engineers to maintain whatever product in 3 years: Is it being taught? Are there enough engineers on the market with this expertise that we could replace someone if necessary? Can we AFFORD to? (Will the execs/HR pay for the expertise if it's a rare skillset?) Etc. And I wouldn't consider myself qualified to manage a team of engineers; I'd expect more skills and insight from people who are genuinely qualified.