If you want your team to perform at their best, stop treating them like task-takers and start leading them like mission-critical partners. That’s the mindset shift Elmer Sarmiento, Certified Management Accountant (Australia), embraced in his leadership journey—and it’s transformed how he builds and leads high-performing teams.
“Our team members should not feel like just cogs in a large machine,” Elmer told Financial Adviser PH. “Instead, they should understand that they are critical partners in our success.”
For Elmer, motivation isn’t about pressure or hierarchy—it’s about clarity, alignment, and ownership. He believes that the most effective way to engage a team is by ensuring their individual goals and responsibilities connect directly to the organization’s broader objectives.
“It’s essential that the achievement of our enterprise objectives aligns with both team and individual KPIs,” he said.
This approach does more than just boost morale—it creates a culture where every team member sees the impact of their work. When people understand the “why” behind what they do, they’re more likely to take initiative, solve problems creatively, and go the extra mile—not because they’re told to, but because they’re invested in the outcome.
Elmer also stresses the importance of seeking support from the team rather than merely assigning tasks. It’s a subtle but powerful distinction that invites collaboration and builds a stronger sense of ownership.
“We need to clearly explain our goals and seek support for them,” he added.
In today’s fast-paced work environment, leaders who drive performance through empowerment—not authority—stand out. By aligning individual purpose with organizational mission, and by fostering real partnerships instead of rigid hierarchies, Elmer proves that great leadership is less about managing people and more about inspiring them.
His advice to fellow leaders? Treat your people like strategic allies. Because when your team believes in the mission, they’ll move mountains to help you achieve it.
