Is it just me or do we too frequently deify senior management? I don’t care that Bob is the President of The national Audit practice and that I should be shaking my in my boots as he approaches me. He’s just a fucking dude to me, and it’s pathetic to see him as anything else.

Challenging the Myth of Leadership Reverence

In many workplaces, there’s a prevailing culture that elevates senior management to a pedestal, transforming them into figures of reverence. However, I find myself questioning this trend. Is it truly warranted, or are we simply perpetuating a flawed system?

Consider this: just because someone holds a significant title—like Bob, the President of the National Audit Practice—doesn’t inherently make them deserving of our awe or deference. To me, he’s just another individual navigating the corporate landscape, and treating him as anything more seems rather misguided.

I’ve often overheard colleagues express astonishment upon discovering they’re in the presence of influential figures, such as the CFO of the firm. Responses like, “Did you know you were speaking to Mark?” might be commonplace, but the reality is, this title holds little significance to me. My focus remains on the task at hand and the people who genuinely depend on my input.

When interacting with clients or direct reports, my priority lies in being fully engaged and present, as those relationships genuinely matter. However, this does not extend to those in upper management. The notion of feeling intimidated or awed by seniority feels outdated.

In today’s workplace, it’s essential to recognize that the value of an individual is not solely defined by their title or position. Embracing a mindset that values each team member equally fosters a healthier, more collaborative work environment. So, let’s drop the artificial hierarchies and start engaging as equals, regardless of our roles within the company. After all, we are all just people striving to achieve a common goal.