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.

The Myth of Management: Why We Shouldn’t Idolize Leadership

In the corporate world, there seems to be an unspoken rule that revolves around the reverence we often bestow upon senior management. But should we really hold these individuals in such high regard? A recent reflection on workplace dynamics has led me to question the necessity of this hierarchy, particularly when it comes to attitude and interaction with leaders.

Consider this scenario: you’re casually talking with a colleague when someone mentions that you’re speaking with Bob, the President of the National Audit practice. The immediate reaction from some might be awe or nervousness, as if encountering a celebrity. But why should a title invoke such respect? To me, leaders are simply individuals doing their jobs, with their own sets of strengths and flaws. It’s disheartening to see them placed on a pedestal merely because of their title.

As I’ve observed, comments like, “Did you know that you were speaking to Mark? He’s the CFO of the firm,” often come laden with a sense of reverence. My response? Frankly, it doesn’t matter to me. Titles and positions, while reflective of one’s professional journey, do not define a person’s character or worth.

The only time I feel compelled to pivot my attention and respect is when I am engaging with a client or a team member who relies on my input—a moral obligation to be present and supportive. Beyond these interactions, the pressure to yield to senior authority simply doesn’t resonate with me. Just because someone holds a high position, it doesn’t mean they command my anxiety or admiration.

In a world that often glorifies hierarchy, it might be time to reevaluate how we view our leaders. At the end of the day, they are just people in roles, no better or worse than anyone else based on their position alone. Let’s foster an environment where respect is earned, not automatically given due to a title. After all, true leaders inspire with their actions, not just their designations.