Most people think leadership is about hitting targets and making big decisions. But according to Arvin Velasquez Diaz, a Certified Management Accountant (Australia), what really sets great leaders apart is their ability to create a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and motivated to perform.
In an interview with Financial Adviser PH, Diaz said, “You can’t build a high-performing team without building a strong culture first. Motivation comes from knowing your work matters and your voice is heard.”
Here’s how Diaz leads with people first—and why it works.
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Tie Every Role to the Bigger Picture
If your team doesn’t know why their work matters, motivation drops fast. That’s why Diaz makes it a point to connect individual tasks to the company’s overall goals.
“When someone understands how their role impacts the business, they stop thinking like an employee and start thinking like a contributor,” he said.
This simple mindset shift builds ownership, boosts team motivation, and encourages people to go beyond what’s expected.
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Give Feedback Like a Coach, Not a Critic
No one grows from vague praise or harsh criticism. Diaz offers real, timely, and constructive feedback—the kind that helps his team get better, not just feel evaluated.
“Feedback should make people feel like they’re progressing,” he shared. “It’s not about pointing out mistakes, it’s about helping people improve and feel confident doing it.”
This kind of communication builds trust and keeps performance conversations productive—not personal.
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Invest in Your People Like You Invest in Goals
For Diaz, leadership is also about coaching teams to step into bigger roles. That means more than just managing—it means mentoring.
He encourages his team to take on stretch assignments, make decisions, and learn through real experience. “I want people to grow into leaders, not just stay stuck in their lane,” he said.
His approach pays off. When employees feel supported, they bring more to the table—and stay longer.
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Create a Safe Place to Speak Up and Slow Down
One of Diaz’s top priorities? Psychological safety. That means making sure people feel comfortable sharing concerns, giving feedback, and even making mistakes without fear of being judged.
“People thrive when they feel safe—when they know they can speak up without consequences,” he said.
He also keeps employee well-being front and center. He supports work-life balance, celebrates small wins, and respects personal boundaries. “If you want long-term performance, you can’t burn people out. You’ve got to protect their energy.”
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Leadership That Lasts Is Built on Trust
Diaz believes that real leadership is less about power and more about consistency. He shows up, listens, and leads by example. And when tough situations come up, like managing difficult personalities or handling conflict, he addresses them early—with clarity and empathy.
“People don’t just follow titles—they follow leaders they trust,” he said.
The Bottom Line
Goals are important—but culture is what drives performance. That’s the leadership lesson Arvin Velasquez Diaz lives by every day. By building a positive, motivating, and safe workplace, he doesn’t just manage people—he inspires them to thrive.
Want to future-proof your leadership style? Start here:
Be clear about vision
Coach, don’t command
Protect your team’s well-being
Lead with integrity and consistency
Because in today’s workplace, the best leaders don’t just set direction—they create space for everyone to succeed.
