Rethinking the Reverence for Senior Management: A Call for Authenticity

In the corporate world, there’s often an overwhelming tendency to place senior management on a pedestal, treating them as untouchable figures who command respect simply by virtue of their titles. However, this culture of deification can lead to an unhealthy dynamic within the workplace.

Consider the case of a senior executive, let’s call him Bob, who holds the title of President of the National Audit Practice. Too often, employees feel they should be intimidated or overly deferential in the presence of individuals like Bob, simply because of their hierarchical status. But should we really view these leaders as something more than just people?

I once had an encounter where someone exclaimed, “Oh my gosh, did you know you were speaking to Mark? He’s the CFO of the firm!” My immediate reaction? Indifference. Why should the title dictate the level of respect or fear I should feel?

In my view, the only time I genuinely focus on someone’s status is when I am engaging directly with clients or team members who rely on me. In those moments, it is my responsibility to be present and supportive. However, the intimidation factor often associated with senior management is misplaced; it’s important to remember that behind every title is simply a person, just like you.

Our workplaces would benefit from fostering a culture where we appreciate the contributions of leaders without elevating them to an unrealistic status. After all, mutual respect is far more meaningful than blind reverence. We should encourage open communication and authenticity, so that employees feel empowered to interact with senior executives without fear, fostering a healthier organizational environment.

Let’s shift the focus from hierarchy to humanity. After all, we’re all in this together, and we owe it to ourselves—and each other—to cultivate a workplace that values respect over intimidation.