Challenging the Idolization of Senior Leadership

In many organizations, there’s a pervasive tendency to elevate senior management to an almost god-like status. It’s a phenomenon I find disheartening, and frankly, unnecessary. Take, for instance, a common scenario: the moment I’m informed that I’m interacting with someone like Bob, who holds the position of President of the National Audit Practice, the reaction often borders on reverence. Yet, to me, Bob is just an ordinary person doing his job—nothing more, nothing less.

You’ve probably heard conversations like this: “Did you realize you were speaking with Mark? He’s the firm’s CFO!” My immediate response is a shrug. In the grand scheme of things, titles don’t significantly impact my view of a person’s worth.

The only instance when the hierarchy matters to me is when I’m engaging with clients or team members directly reporting to me. In these situations, I believe it’s crucial to be fully present, demonstrating genuine support and accountability. However, when it comes to senior authority figures, I refuse to feel intimidated simply because of their title.

It’s vital to foster a culture where leadership is seen through the lens of respect rather than fear or awe. After all, leaders are human too—they make mistakes, have flaws, and are just as relatable as anyone else. Let’s challenge this narrative and communicate openly, regardless of job titles, creating a more approachable and collaborative workplace.