Early in her leadership journey, Divina Gracia Sasuman, Certified Management Accountant, measured success by output. Projects were judged by how quickly and efficiently they were completed, and performance meant hitting the numbers.
But over time, her perspective evolved. “It’s not just about what gets done,” she says. “It’s about how people feel about doing it.”
Today, she focuses less on chasing metrics and more on building an environment where her team can grow—both professionally and personally.
Why Focusing on People Drives Better Results
In fast-paced industries, leaders often feel pressured to push for immediate outcomes. But Sasuman believes that short-term results mean little if the team feels disengaged, burned out, or unsupported.
“When people feel empowered, connected, and trusted, they perform better,” she explains. “You get results, but you also build loyalty and resilience.”
This doesn’t mean abandoning accountability. Instead, it means aligning performance goals with employee well-being and professional growth.
Three Shifts That Transformed Her Management Style
Sasuman credits her evolution as a leader to three major changes in her approach.
-
From Authority to Influence
Earlier in her career, she led through authority—making decisions, delegating tasks, and ensuring compliance. Now, she leads through influence, inspiring her team to take ownership.
“When people understand the ‘why’ behind their work, they don’t just execute—they innovate,” she says.
-
From Output to Ownership
Rather than micromanaging tasks, Sasuman gives her team the freedom to make decisions and learn from the outcomes.
“This builds confidence,” she explains. “It also encourages problem-solving, because they’re not afraid to take initiative.”
-
From Transactional to Transformational
Leadership isn’t just about managing resources—it’s about changing lives. Sasuman focuses on mentoring, listening, and helping her team members grow into leaders themselves.
“If your influence stops when you leave the room, you’re not leading—you’re just managing,” she says.
Creating an Empowered Work Culture
Sasuman’s leadership style is grounded in trust, clarity, and accountability. She believes in fostering psychological safety, where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns without fear of judgment.
“Empowerment happens when people know you’ll listen and support them,” she says. “That’s when they’ll push themselves further than you expect.”
The Payoff: Long-Term Loyalty and Resilience
Investing in people takes time, but the returns are significant. Teams that feel valued are more engaged, more adaptable in the face of change, and more committed to the company’s goals.
“Leadership is more than a title,” Sasuman says. “It’s a daily practice. It’s in how you respond when the team is under stress, how you lift them when they feel discouraged, and how you take care of them while pushing for results.”
Her Advice to Leaders Who Want to Make the Shift
For leaders who want to move from results-driven to people-focused leadership, Sasuman offers a simple starting point:
Listen first. Understand your team’s needs before making changes.
Delegate with trust. Let others step into leadership moments.
Be authentic. Admit when you don’t have all the answers—it builds trust.
Celebrate small wins. Recognition fuels motivation.
“People will remember how you made them feel long after they forget the targets you set,” she says. “When you grow people, the results take care of themselves.”
