The new director walked in with a big title and a big reputation, and I noticed I did not shrink and I did not bristle. I just listened, agreed with the parts that made sense, and said so plainly when I did not. Somewhere along the line I stopped reacting to the position and started meeting the person, judging what they actually say on its own worth.
More people experience this than they realize.
You can now meet a boss as an equal, neither shrinking nor fighting, judging the merits.
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.