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.

Title: Rethinking Our Reverence for Senior Leadership: A Call for Authenticity in the Workplace

In today’s corporate culture, it often feels like there’s an unwritten rule that elevates senior management to a status that demands deference and fear. But is it time to question this practice? Should we really be placing executives on a pedestal simply because of their titles?

Take, for example, a comment I overheard the other day: “Did you know that you were speaking to Mark? He’s the CFO of the firm.” My reaction? Indifference. A title, while it carries its weight, does not dictate a person’s value or their ability to connect with others.

We often find ourselves in awe of senior executives, treating them with an almost mythical reverence. However, it’s essential to recognize that at the end of the day, they are just people—individuals with their strengths and shortcomings. The aura of authority should not eclipse their humanity.

My concern isn’t entirely with how we treat our leaders but rather how we allow that perception to affect our interactions. While I fully believe in respecting the structure of an organization, I also feel a moral obligation to engage genuinely with all individuals in the workplace, regardless of their rank.

This commitment to authenticity becomes especially crucial when interacting with clients or direct reports. In those contexts, my focus is on building relationships rooted in trust and openness. But beyond that, I refuse to buy into the fear-based respect that comes with seniority.

So the next time you find yourself feeling intimidated by a title, remember: leaders are human too. Let’s champion a workplace culture that values every voice, regardless of position, and removes the unnecessary barriers created by hierarchy. Authentic engagement can only thrive when we recognize and embrace our shared humanity.