The "gene" you speak of is a desperation to prove relevance when a person has a sneaking suspicion in their heart that they don't add value.

Ever notice how the people who throw around the most buzz words are those who think of, and refer to themselves as "big picture" thinkers? They have conveniently tricked themselves into thinking that focusing on and mastering any true skill is a distraction from understanding the broader landscape in which they operate.