Challenging the Cult of Senior Management: A Call for Authenticity in the Workplace

In today’s corporate landscape, it seems there’s an unsettling tendency to elevate senior management to an almost untouchable status. We often find ourselves idolizing individuals in leadership roles, adhering to a hierarchy that fosters an uncomfortable sense of reverence. But should we really be placing senior executives on such pedestals?

Take, for instance, the scenario of meeting with a high-ranking official, like the President of the National Audit Practice. While many may feel compelled to treat such an encounter with excessive deference, I argue that it’s far more beneficial to view these leaders as simply individuals—people who happen to occupy prestigious titles, rather than icons to be revered.

Consider the common refrain: “Did you know you were speaking to Mark, the CFO of the firm?” Honestly, this designation carries little weight for me. The title doesn’t change the fact that, fundamentally, Mark is just a person like anyone else, with strengths and flaws. It’s essential to recognize that when interacting with leadership, the core of the conversation should be about professionalism, not worship.

I find that my respect and attention are reserved for those who rely on me—clients and direct reports. In those moments, I hold a moral responsibility to engage and support them fully. However, when it comes to interactions with senior management, I refuse to feel intimidated or imposed upon by mere titles.

By fostering a culture where everyone is seen as an equal, we cultivate an environment conducive to honest communication and genuine collaboration. We don’t need to feel shaken or in awe just because someone holds a high-ranking title. Let’s embrace a more grounded perspective, dismantling the barrier that often comes with corporate hierarchy, and ultimately promote a workplace grounded in authenticity, rather than excessive reverence for authority.