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.

Rethinking the Reverence for Senior Management: A Call for Authenticity

In the corporate world, there seems to be an undeniable trend towards excessively venerating senior management. It often feels like we are conditioned to treat executives as untouchable figures, deserving of a level of reverence that can border on the absurd. But is this perception truly warranted?

Take, for instance, the instance of Bob, the President of the National Audit Practice. There’s an expectation that one should experience a sense of intimidation or awe in his presence. Yet, upon closer inspection, what does that really mean? At the end of the day, he’s just another individual—someone who, despite his impressive title, shouldn’t provoke fear or undue respect.

A common refrain heard in corporate settings is, “Did you know that you were speaking to Mark, the CFO of the firm?” The immediate reaction from some might be one of reverence. However, in my experience, this level of deference simply isn’t necessary. Titles do not define a person’s worth or capabilities; they are merely labels on a business card.

The only context where authority genuinely impacts my interactions is when communicating with clients or team members. In those scenarios, I feel a deep sense of duty to be fully engaged and present. After all, those individuals rely on me for guidance and support. However, the notion that senior executives should command instinctive deference is a relic of outdated corporate culture.

It’s high time we challenge the norm of placing senior leaders on pedestals. They are, after all, just people—and like everyone else, they should be approached with a sense of equality rather than fear. Moving forward, let’s foster an environment where open dialogue and mutual respect thrive, irrespective of one’s position within the organization. After all, true leadership is rooted in connection, not hierarchy.