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 the Reverence for Senior Management

In the professional environment, it’s common to see individuals in senior management roles treated with a level of respect that borders on reverence. This phenomenon raises an important question: why do we often elevate these leaders to a pedestal that seems unjustified?

Consider this scenario: you’re introduced to a high-ranking executive, maybe someone like the CFO or the President of a key division. There’s often a palpable tension in the air, as if their mere presence demands a certain level of fear or deference. However, it’s essential to remember that, at the end of the day, they are just people—people who go about their lives much like the rest of us.

When I hear comments like, “Did you know you were speaking to Mark…he’s the CFO of the firm,” my reaction is often one of indifference. The title or position does not define a person’s value or their worthiness of my respect. In my interactions, I strive to maintain a level of authenticity. The only exceptions to this are when I’m engaged with clients or direct reports, where I feel a moral obligation to give my full attention and create a supportive environment.

Ultimately, it’s important to foster a workplace culture that values individuals for their contributions, character, and capability, rather than their titles. The hierarchy in the office should not overshadow the mutual respect we owe to one another as colleagues. Let’s challenge the norm and view senior management as teammates, rather than untouchable figures shrouded in authority. After all, titles are just that—titles. What truly matters is how we treat each other as individuals.