It really humors me when I see some consultant/, trainer or anyone for that matter speaks about servant leadership. They listen to some Simon Sinek bullshit and start to think that is the way to lead an organisation. I have worked in both large and small organisations as an employee for more than 10 years and I have been an entrepreneur for more than 25 years. I can tell you that it is bullshit! Stop selling some idealistic concept that has never work in any country or corporation. Why? We still have poverty and capitalism in the world. Try asking any billionaire or the very rich if they practiced Servant Leadership. I am sure they will tell you YES! you are the servant to their leadership. That’s why they pay you to do what they want to achieve. That’s why you are working to get what you want from these leaders or bosses.
We are working together to achieve personal objectives in life and career. We are not a family. We are a business. We are building a dream team of high performers that have high standards for us to achieve greatness for the benefit of everyone. Unfortunately that’s the reality. Can we do better for each other and have better connections to do better work? Sure. Just stop selling bullshit when you don’t even have people on your payroll.
But you are definitely entitled to your opinions. And if you do not like what you read here, please do unfriend or even block me. Why? I never added you in the first place. Have an awesome Sunday ahead having your idealistic values.
PS: Servant Leadership only works on other people’s payroll and cost. 
Insert Pic: My Corporate Sales Team. Get results, Get rewarded or Get lost.
50 comments:
Powerful perspective, Mr. Ernie. In the real world, results speak louder than concepts. Being part of a high-performance team at PORTMAN has taught me that success comes from delivering value, staying accountable, and constantly improving. Grateful to be in an environment that rewards hard work and real results 💪🔥
A bold and thought-provoking take on leadership Mr Ernie! Fostering a positive work environment is important, performance and results will always be the key drivers of success. I appreciate the insights. A perspective that challenges conventional thinking!
Completely agree! At the end of the day, business is about results, not feel-good concepts. Leaders need to set high standards, build strong teams, and drive performance, not just serve everyone’s needs at their own expense. Too many people preach theories that sound great in seminars but don’t hold up in the real world. Success comes from discipline, accountability, and making tough decisions, not just ‘serving’ others. Well said Mr. Ernie!
Mr. Ernie makes a strong and realistic point about leadership in the business world. While the idea of servant leadership sounds noble, the reality is that businesses operate on performance, results, and personal objectives, not just idealistic values. The most successful leaders are those who set high standards and build high-performing teams, not those who act as servants to their employees.
The truth is, in a capitalist system, employees work to fulfill the vision of their leaders in exchange for compensation, and that’s the foundation of every successful business. While fostering a positive and collaborative work environment is important, it doesn’t change the fact that businesses exist to generate results, not to create a “family” atmosphere. Mr. Ernie’s perspective is a wake-up call for those who romanticize leadership without understanding the harsh realities of business and success.
Mr. Ernie makes a strong and realistic point about leadership in the business world. While the idea of servant leadership sounds noble, the reality is that businesses operate on performance, results, and personal objectives, not just idealistic values. The most successful leaders are those who set high standards and build high-performing teams, not those who act as servants to their employees.
The truth is, in a capitalist system, employees work to fulfill the vision of their leaders in exchange for compensation, and that’s the foundation of every successful business. While fostering a positive and collaborative work environment is important, it doesn’t change the fact that businesses exist to generate results, not to create a “family” atmosphere. Mr. Ernie’s perspective is a wake-up call for those who romanticize leadership without understanding the harsh realities of business and success.
Servant leadership, while noble in its intent, does come with real costs that are often overlooked in traditional discussions about leadership effectiveness. The reality is that leadership, at its core, is about delivering outcomes, making tough decisions, and ensuring sustainability. A leader who focuses solely on serving others without balancing it with performance expectations risks creating an environment where goodwill replaces accountability. Your perspective challenges conventional thinking, and I appreciate the reminder that leadership must be strategic, results-driven, and sustainable. While empowering teams and fostering collaboration are valuable, they should never come at the cost of business viability or the leader’s own capacity to lead effectively.
Interesting perspective! Leadership definitely isn’t one-size-fits-all, and different approaches work for different organizations. While some see servant leadership as idealistic, others view it as a strategy to build strong, motivated teams. At the end of the day, what matters most is achieving results and creating an environment where high performers can thrive. Appreciate the thought-provoking post! - indhu-
I totally agree, Mr. Ernie. Different leadership styles work for different people and businesses. Some focus on results, while others value servant leadership. In the end, it’s about what works best for the team and goals. Interesting take! (FIKRI)
Agree with your point. Leadership is about results and performance, not just idealistic concepts."
I do agree with one key point you made sir, business is not a family. It’s a team with a purpose. And great teams have leaders who enable not just demand success. Thanks for the sharing, Mr. Ernie!
You make a strong point about the importance of high standards and genuine connections in building a great team. I agree that a business isn’t a family, however, even though everyone has different objectives to achieve, we should still strive to do our best in everything we’re involved in. Putting in our best effort not only helps us reach our individual goals but also contributes to better overall results. Thank you for sharing Mr. Ernie.
Thank you for sharing such a bold and unfiltered perspective! It’s rare to hear someone speak so openly about what leadership really looks like in practice, especially from someone with both corporate and entrepreneurial experience. You make a valid point because business isn’t a family, it’s a partnership built around shared goals, personal ambition, and high performance. While the concept of servant leadership is appealing in theory, you’re right to question its real-world applicability in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Ultimately, it’s about delivering results, rewarding those who contribute, and ensuring that everyone is aligned with the bigger picture. I respect the emphasis you place on building strong teams driven by mutual benefit rather than abstract ideals. It’s always refreshing to read a different take that’s grounded in reality. Not everyone will agree, but conversations like this are what push people to think critically. Appreciate your candour!
Thank you for sharing such a bold and unfiltered perspective! It’s rare to hear someone speak so openly about what leadership really looks like in practice, especially from someone with both corporate and entrepreneurial experience. You make a valid point because business isn’t a family, it’s a partnership built around shared goals, personal ambition, and high performance. While the concept of servant leadership is appealing in theory, you’re right to question its real-world applicability in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Ultimately, it’s about delivering results, rewarding those who contribute, and ensuring that everyone is aligned with the bigger picture. I respect the emphasis you place on building strong teams driven by mutual benefit rather than abstract ideals. It’s always refreshing to read a different take that’s grounded in reality. Not everyone will agree, but conversations like this are what push people to think critically. Appreciate your candour!
I totally agree. In business, it’s about achieving our goals and setting high standards. While having a good team dynamic is important, staying focused on results and practical steps is what really drives success. When we have a strong team with clear goals, everyone benefits in the end.
- Aisha PIS @ Akasa -
The idea of servant leadership often feels detached from the practical realities of business. In the end, it’s about achieving goals and building high-performing teams, not just creating an idealistic work environment. It’s great to have strong connections, but results and personal objectives are some of the main components in striving for success. Thanks for sharing, Mr Ernie!
Understood. Leadership should focus on performance and results, rather than just idealistic concepts. The reality of business is about achieving goals, and maintaining high standards is key to success. Building a strong, high-performing team is what truly drives success. At the end of the day, business is business, and leaders need to focus on what works. I appreciate your perspective on this.
Nurul Ain Fatehah binti Baharuddin (PORTMAN College Lecturer)
I appreciate the perspective, Mr. Ernie! Leadership looks different for everyone, and what works depends on the people and the situation. Some see value in servant leadership, while others take a different path. At the end of the day, leadership is about creating an environment where people can thrive and achieve their goals successfully. - Asyikin (PORTMAN College)
Completely agree. In the real world, results matter more than feel-good leadership theories. Success comes from building high-performing teams, not catering to unrealistic ideals. Great leaders set high standards and drive the vision forward!
And you’re right—billionaires and top executives aren’t following some Simon Sinek playbook. They’re making strategic moves, leveraging talent, and playing the game to win. The real-world version of leadership is about power, influence, and execution, not feel-good philosophies.
At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about buzzwords—it’s about delivering results. Some people might find inspiration in “servant leadership,” but if it doesn’t align with real-world success, then it’s just another business trend that sounds good on stage but doesn’t work in practice.
appreciate the insight, Mr. Ernie. Leadership definitely varies depending on the people, the context, and the goals. While some might resonate with servant leadership, others find value in a more direct approach, as you’ve shared. What’s most important is creating an environment where high standards lead to success and personal growth. Your experience speaks volumes, and it's inspiring to see how you've built strong teams that deliver results. Thank you for sharing your perspective! Always learning from you.
I appreciate you sharing your perspective on leadership, which offers valuable insights. Assembling a team of high performers is indeed essential for success. In my experience, the effectiveness of leadership styles can vary depending on the organizational culture.
Bold statement! Leadership comes in many forms, and different styles work for different environments. At the end of the day, results and team dynamics determine what truly works.
That’s a bold and honest perspective! Servant leadership often feels like an idealistic concept that doesn’t work in the real world. Leadership is about achieving results and driving success, and the focus should be on high performance and personal goals, not just some theory. Thanks for sharing this straight-talk approach! -akma-
Great insights! The reality is that in any organization, leadership is about achieving results while ensuring the right people are in the right roles. High-performing teams thrive under strong leadership, not just feel-good ideals. Looking forward to more discussions on what truly makes teams succeed!
Rahm
PIS@Akasa
Great sharing, Mr. Ernie. It's true that success comes from a strong team and high standards. I believe that good leadership involves balancing performance with genuine care for people. When everything is done well, it can create a great team that drives success together.
You make an excellent point Mr Ernie! While servant leadership is often seen as an appealing concept, the reality of business frequently demands a more practical, performance-driven approach. Your perspective on how leadership needs to align with tangible results rather than just idealistic principles is both valuable and thought-provoking!
-Husna-
I respect your perspective. Every leadership style has its strengths and challenges, and what works for one person or situation may not work for another. From my experience, I've seen how different approaches can create different dynamics within teams. I’m always open to exploring ways we can all grow and work effectively together.
Thank you Mr. Ernie for sharing your perspective! I appreciate your insights and the experience behind them. It’s always valuable to hear different viewpoints on leadership and the realities of business. Looking forward to continuing to work together towards our shared goals! -Hanisha Kaur-
Betul dan sangat setuju! Pengalaman luas memberi perspektif yang lebih realistik tentang kepimpinan. Dan kejayaan lebih bergantung pada tindakan daripada konsep semata-mata. Terbaik!
-Fadelah-
A great leader provides clear guidance, inspires action, and cultivates a strong culture that promotes growth. With such leaders, the end results are a shared goal that everyone works towards. Thank you.
I appreciate your insights, Mr. Ernie. Your input, drawn from your extensive hands-on experience and various perspectives, is incredibly valuable. You exemplify the principles you discuss and speak from your own experiences. You walked your talk; you talk what you walked. Thank you.
Totally agree, Mr. Ernie. In the business world, successful leaders are not "servants" but strategists, decision-makers, and resource integrators. They can care for employees and inspire teams, but fundamentally, their primary responsibility is to ensure the success of the business, rather than sacrificing real-world interests just to "serve" others.
I appreciate your insights, Mr. Ernie. Your input, drawn from your extensive hands-on experience and various perspectives, is incredibly valuable. You exemplify the principles you discuss and speak from your own experiences. You walked your talk; you talk what you walked. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing Mr.Ernie. In business, the focus should be on reaching our objectives and maintaining a high level of excellence. While having a solid team culture is essential, it’s the emphasis on results and actionable strategies that propel success forward.
I completely agree! In reality, leadership is about achieving results and driving performance, not about serving others at your own expense. Building a strong team requires high standards, not just feel-good concepts.
Yes, Mr. Ernie. True leadership should always focus on achieving results. Leadership is not just about speaking nicely but about delivering outcomes and maintaining a high-standard, performance-driven environment. Business is not a family; it is a team with a purpose, built with individuals who are aligned with that purpose, working together to achieve success. Thanks for your insights!
Yes, I agree with Mr. Ernie. True leadership isn’t about giving empty praise; it’s about maintaining a strong focus on results, even if that means being tough on employees. This approach ensures everyone remembers that delivering results is always the top priority. Thank you, Mr. Ernie, for sharing your insights.
I can understand how the ‘Servant Leadership’ model can come across as overly simplistic, especially if someone hasn’t directly been involved in running a business or seen the harder edges of leadership firsthand. Thank you so much Mr Ernie for your wise words
Totally agree! At the end of the day, leadership is about driving results and building a team that works toward success together. It’s not about selling feel good ideas, it’s about making real impact.
- Asyraf
Agree Mr Ernie. Not every individual thrives under servant leadership. Some employees prefer a more assertive or results-driven leadership style, and a servant leader may struggle to meet the needs of those with different working preferences.
In my opinion, organisations use elements of servant leadership to foster trust, collaboration, however WE NEED practical realities of business hierarchies.
This is necessary because they provide structure, accountability, and efficiency in achieving organizational goals, and this balancing the needs of both the organization and its people
Yes Sir, your perspective on leadership is bold and thought-provoking. You challenge common narratives with real-world experience, which adds weight to your argument. A more balanced approach might help engage those with differing views too.
Business is business. There is no concept of 'family' in business, as everyone has their own personal interests. I agree that, at the end of the day, businesses need to operate to achieve results. Thank you, Mr. Ernie, for your insights highlighting the need to critically evaluate popular leadership ideas rather than accepting them at face value.
-Lyana-
Good insight. A bold viewpoint that challenges conventional leadership norms. Direct and provocative. Thank you for sharing Mr. Ernie
Leadership is about leading a team with example. Thank you for leading us by showing us the real example. Result do not lie, it is the proof. Looking forward to generate the results with the team as per plan!
So true, servant leadership is that it's an idealistic concept that doesn’t work in reality, especially in high-performance business environments. 😁
We have to emphasize accountability for everything we do , deliver results and get rewarded.😜
Ideal concepts like servant leadership don’t fit the realities of dynamic business environments. It's all about accountability, driving outcomes, and celebrating hard-earned wins. Building a team of high performers with clear goals and high standards leads to real success. After all, business isn’t about idealism — it’s about delivering results that benefit everyone.
I have learned and experienced Mr. Ernie’s leadership directly. I have been reporting to you since the beginning, and I am privileged to have witnessed the growth and transformation of Mr. Ernie’s leadership as we advance to higher stages in our businesses.
At different stages, different leadership styles are required. The bigger the dream we want to achieve, the more servant leadership is necessary. As more people report to you, it becomes crucial to filter and identify those who may not be suitable for the next stage of growth.
Some who have followed you for years may say that you’ve changed. My response is: yes, you have. To achieve something significant and fulfill the vision for all, we must adapt and adjust our strategy and leadership approach at every critical junction.
If we don’t change and simply continue what we did 10 years ago, we will only achieve what we had 10 years ago. To reach something greater, we must constantly improve our skills and prepare our hearts to face new challenges ahead. One thing that Mr. Ernie has never change is the VISION that we are heading to.
I am grateful that, even after 10 years, I am still learning from you. You never stop improving and getting better. That’s why I never stop learning from Mr. Ernie.
Get Results, Get Rewarded, or Get Lost.
We are all hired to contribute our skill set, mindset, and efforts to help the company grow. A leader’s job is to provide direction and lead the team to achieve the agreed-upon goals that move the business forward. Regardless of the leadership style people talk about, it ultimately comes down to the fundamental principle—results. The leadership style that works is the one that gets the bills paid.
Every team member has personal agendas and goals, which evolve as they grow. When I was younger, my only goal was to learn and gain exposure. It didn’t matter who paid me or how much; I saw it as an opportunity to acquire skills, build my mindset, and add value to myself. As I grew, my goal remained focused on learning and exposure, but with an added drive to grow a business faster, better, and more efficiently. What excited me was how I could improve and provide more for my family.
Over time, I accumulated the skills, mindset, and experience to solve problems and drive business growth. I endured tough situations but continued with resilience, thanks to my journey with PORTMAN under the leadership of Mr. Ernie. Through those years, I learned and earned in many ways.
As the business progresses, we also need to grow internally to perform better. It’s crucial to continuously develop ourselves and focus on how we can meet the company’s needs at each stage of its growth—not just on what we think we can offer.
I’m truly grateful to have the opportunity to grow and contribute to PORTMAN with the support of those around me.
Ivy
I completely agree! Leadership is about driving results, not just catering to others. Businesses thrive on performance, not idealistic concepts. At the end of the day, success comes from ambition, strategy, and execution—not from trying to be everyone’s servant.
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