When Paula Shella Aquino, a Certified Management Accountant, thinks about what makes a great leader, she doesn’t reach for buzzwords or corporate clichés.
For her, it all comes down to three things: empathy, transparency, and resilience.
“Empathy, transparency, and resilience are essential leadership qualities in today’s evolving workplace,” Aquino tells Financial Adviser PH. “Leaders must trust, communicate with clarity and honesty, and remain composed under pressure—especially when guiding remote or hybrid teams.”
Here’s how she puts those qualities to work—and how you can, too.
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Lead with empathy—don’t just manage tasks
Empathy, Aquino says, is more than being nice. It’s understanding your team’s perspective and factoring it into decisions.
“People thrive when they feel genuinely valued, heard, and respected,” she says. “Inclusive leadership drives innovation, strengthens collaboration, and builds a more empowered, high-performing team culture.”
For Aquino, that means listening before acting—whether she’s addressing workplace conflicts, recognizing achievements, or checking in during a busy quarter.
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Be transparent, even when it’s uncomfortable
Clear, honest communication isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of trust.
“I address issues promptly and privately, making sure all perspectives are heard before working toward a solution,” she says.
Aquino doesn’t shy away from sharing the “why” behind decisions. Even when the news isn’t what people want to hear, being upfront prevents rumors and builds credibility.
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Stay resilient—adapt, decide, and keep going
Leadership isn’t just about steering the ship when seas are calm. It’s about staying steady when the waves hit.
“It’s never an easy choice, especially when you understand the personal impact it may have,” she says of letting go of underperforming team members. “But as a leader, I have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the team and uphold performance standards.”
Part of resilience, she adds, is protecting your team from burnout: “I advocate for workloads that are challenging yet sustainable.”
The takeaway
You don’t need a corner office to lead like Aquino. Whether you’re managing a team of two or a department of 200, the same rules apply:
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- Listen before acting.
- Be honest, even when it’s hard.
- Stay grounded when challenges come.
These three qualities, Aquino says, aren’t just leadership strategies—they’re habits that build trust, inspire loyalty, and drive results over the long run.
