Rethinking Our Reverence for Senior Management

In today’s corporate landscape, it’s not uncommon to encounter a culture that almost idolizes senior management figures. The atmosphere can often feel charged with an unspoken expectation that we should treat them with heightened deference and reverence. However, it’s time for us to question this tendency.

Take, for example, a scenario where you’re introduced to someone like Bob, the President of the National Audit Practice. The expectation might be to feel intimidated or to adjust your demeanor out of respect for his title. But why? At the end of the day, he is just another person—much like anyone else in the organization.

Similarly, you may find yourself in conversations where someone exclaims, “Did you know you were talking to Mark, the CFO of the firm?” While the title carries weight, it shouldn’t dictate how we engage with others. After all, effective communication and connection are crucial in any professional relationship.

What truly matters is how we interact with those we work alongside and serve, such as clients or team members who rely on our support and guidance. In those moments, it is essential to be fully present and engaged in the conversation, respecting the significance of the relationship. However, this sense of duty should not extend to senior management simply because of their position.

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that titles do not inherently command respect. Instead, respect should be earned through character, integrity, and how we treat each other as colleagues. Let’s shift the focus away from titles and embrace a culture of equality and mutual respect within the workplace. After all, we are all working toward a common goal, and our collective effort matters far more than the status we hold.