An unorthodox study conducted by the Hanford Business School found that professionals in first-time, senior ranking positions confessed that their new positions of authority and power aren’t quite what they expected them to be.

The study, which consisted of interviews of 2,352 Uber Black drivers who had recently transported a senior officer of a large organization, found that these demigods of capital and power expressed confusion and disillusionment. They are shocked to learn that direct reports tended to flatter them incessantly, seldom questioned their decisions, and consistently tried to invite them to after-work events, which led them to doubt their sincerity and true commitment.

In a follow-up with 685 of these officers, respondents shared comments like the following: “I could tell that they don’t actually agree with my ideas and decisions, but that they humor me,” and “I think my employees question the vision I’ve established, almost as if they would rather accomplish their own. Can you believe that?” Other respondents confessed as new leaders, they expected to be admired for their vision, hard work, and leadership style they learned from Good to Great. However, 78% felt that their own employees pretended to admire them to avoid termination. Of these, 70% affirmed that only being admired because of their position was one of the biggest drawbacks to their role.

The researchers then asked each of the officers about their own climb to the top. 98% of respondents stated that they had in the past used flattery, acquiescence, and countless dinner invitations as strategic career maneuvers. Some confessed that they “didn’t really like their previous CEO, but it was the only way to stand out from the crowd,” or that they offered favors so that “when the time came…”

Additional research scheduled for the summer of 2021 will seek to validate the extent to which employees ever feign sincerity with their bosses.