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.

The Myth of Senior Management: Why We Need to Shift Our Perspective

In today’s corporate landscape, it seems all too common to idolize senior management. We often hear about the importance of ranks and titles, as if being the President of a national Audit practice or the CFO of a firm automatically bestows gravitas and respect. I can’t help but question this narrative.

When I see a high-ranking executive approach, I think to myself, “So what?” Titles and positions can create an illusion of power, but at the end of the day, they are just people—flaws and all. It’s disheartening to observe how easily we can fall into the trap of treating individuals with these lofty titles as demigods, when in reality, they are simply human beings like the rest of us.

Consider a scenario where someone exclaims, “Did you know you were talking to Mark? He’s the CFO!” My response is simple: I genuinely do not care. The title does not affect my perception of the individual; it doesn’t elevate them above anyone else in my eyes.

My focus lies primarily on my clients and direct reports. When I engage with them, I feel a profound responsibility to be fully present and attentive, as their reliance on me warrants that respect. However, when it comes to senior management, I feel no obligation to treat them with undue reverence simply because of their title.

We must reassess this tendency to deify authority figures. Let’s foster a culture where open dialogue and genuine interactions take precedence over hierarchical structures. After all, respect should be earned through actions and integrity, not something bestowed merely due to an impressive job title. By shifting our perspective, we can create a more authentic and equitable workplace environment for everyone.