Early in his leadership journey, Elmer Sarmiento, a Certified Management Accountant (Australia), thought the best way to lead was by controlling every detail. But two decades into his career, he’s the first to admit he had it wrong.
“When I started my leadership journey nearly two decades ago, I was often seen as a micromanager—someone who believed that my way was the only way,” Elmer told Financial Adviser PH. “I cringe when I think back on that experience.”
Today, Elmer leads with a dramatically different mindset—one that’s built on inspiring people toward a shared vision, rather than enforcing a narrow path. His evolution from micromanager to visionary highlights a lesson many professionals learn the hard way: control doesn’t build teams—trust and vision do.
Elmer’s shift came from experience, exposure to different business models, and an understanding of how organizations thrive when leaders empower, not dictate.
“As I interacted with various organizations, cultures, and business models, I came to understand that effective leadership relies on inspiring people toward a shared vision,” he said. “While motivation can be transactional, true inspiration is holistic and sustainable.”
This new leadership philosophy helped Elmer unlock greater potential in his teams and himself. By stepping back, he created space for collaboration, creativity, and ownership—elements that drive long-term success far better than top-down control.
Elmer’s story is a powerful reminder to rising leaders: it’s not about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, aligning your team with a bigger purpose, and trusting them to rise to the challenge.
“True leadership is about guiding and empowering others to succeed,” he added.
In an era where agile, empathetic leadership matters more than ever, Elmer’s transformation shows what’s possible when leaders stop clinging to control—and start creating a culture where vision, trust, and people thrive.
