Traits of Alpha Project Managers

In the February issue of PM Network, the PMI's monthly magazine, there is a great article titled "Are you an Alpha?" It's about Andy Crowe's book, Alpha Project Managers: What the Top 2% Know That Everyone Else Does Not".

This is awesome content, especially for an aspiring project manager like myself. 8 key areas were identified where alpha project managers shine:

1. Attitude and belief
2. Communication
3. Alignment with the organization
4. Approach and organization - twice as much time planning as non-alphas
5. Priority management skills
   
6. Issue Management
7. Relationships and conflict
8. Leadership

I already knew the majority of this based on my experiences, reading, and just talking with project managers. The one thing that blew me away was that alpha project managers spend twice as much time on planning as non-alphas, although both think it's about the same importance.

So why do the alphas get to spend twice as much time planning? Is it because they are good enough at handling upper management and sponsors to assert the need for it, while lesser project managers fold when their time is cut back? Or is it more that non-alpha project managers just want to dive into the doing too early? If you're reading this, leave a comment and tell me what you think.