Challenging the Cult of Senior Management

In many corporate environments, there seems to be a tendency to elevate senior management figures to an almost untouchable status. This phenomenon raises an important question: Why do we so often place senior leaders on a pedestal?

Take, for instance, the President of a national Audit practice. Sure, he holds a prestigious title, but at the end of the day, he is just a person—an individual with strengths and weaknesses, much like anyone else. The reverence with which we sometimes treat such figures can be quite disheartening.

I’ve encountered situations where colleagues express awe upon discovering they are speaking to senior executives, such as the CFO of the company. The reaction often carries an undertone of intimidation—a notion that these titles somehow confer superiority. Yet, I find myself unmoved by such status. The truth is, titles do not define a person’s worth or capabilities, and to treat someone differently simply because of their rank is not only unnecessary but also counterproductive.

When engaging with clients or team members, however, I believe it’s essential to be fully present and attentive, as they rely on our support and guidance. This moral obligation to our peers and clients is what should drive our interactions—not a sense of fear or deference to authority.

Ultimately, it’s vital to acknowledge that every individual, regardless of their position, brings unique value to the table. We should strive to foster an environment where all voices are heard, and everyone feels empowered to contribute. Instead of trembling in awe of authority figures, let’s challenge ourselves to interact with them as equals—recognizing that behind every title is simply another human being.