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 Cult of Senior Management: A Call for Authenticity in the Workplace

In today’s corporate culture, it seems that the reverence for senior management has reached an all-time high. Many individuals treat executives like untouchable icons, but I believe it’s time to reevaluate this mindset. Let’s take a closer look at why we might need to stop placing these individuals on a pedestal.

Picture this: you’re at an office event, and someone whispers to you, “Did you know that’s Mark? He’s the CFO of the firm.” The implication is clear: this news should invoke a sense of awe or deference. But for many of us, it simply doesn’t resonate. In reality, Mark is just another person doing a job—just like anyone else in the organization.

The disconnect is striking. Why should a title dictate how we perceive someone? Shouldn’t we focus on individual character, contributions, and values rather than their position on the corporate ladder? When I engage with clients or colleagues who depend on my guidance, I strive to be fully present for them. That’s where my focus lies—on fostering genuine connections and providing support.

However, when it comes to discussing senior management, my approach shifts. I refuse to be intimidated or treat them as unapproachable figures. Holding a title should not equate to automatic respect; it’s the actions and integrity of a person that should earn admiration.

It’s time we embrace a culture of authenticity over hierarchy. Yes, leadership is important, but let’s not forget that every professional deserves to be seen as an individual rather than just a title. By dismantling this cult of personality around executives, we can create a more inclusive and honest work environment that values collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect.

Let’s move past this outdated notion of deifying authority figures and focus on building genuine relationships within our teams. After all, we’re all in this together, navigating the complexities of our professional lives with much more in common than we might think.