During a recent session with executive leaders, one of the participants asked a question that genuinely stopped me in my tracks:
“Emre, throughout the day, you’ve been explaining the difference between performance and results. But when you speak about your business, you say you get paid based on your clients’ results. Isn’t that contradictory?”
A brilliant question — and one that deserves a thoughtful response.
At first glance, it does seem contradictory. But only if you confuse the relationship between cause and effect.
Let me explain.
Results Are Not the Target — They’re the Byproduct
Focusing on performance doesn’t mean ignoring results. In fact, it’s because we care about results that we choose to focus on performance.
Performance is what you can control. It’s your mindset, your preparation, your execution. Results are what come after — often influenced by many variables beyond your control.
Trying to force results is like trying to fall asleep: the harder you try, the more elusive it becomes. But when you shift your attention to the quality of your routine — your breathing, your comfort, your environment — sleep eventually comes. Not by force, but by flow.
So Why Do I Get Paid Based on Results?
It’s a fair question. If I believe in performance over results, why would I tie my compensation to something I can’t fully control?
The answer lies in two principles I deeply believe in:
- Confidence in the process
- Skin in the game
I don’t sell frameworks or advice. I partner with my clients. I don’t just deliver “consulting.” I commit to the journey with them.
Tying my compensation to their results is not a contradiction — it’s a commitment. It says, “I believe in this enough to take the risk with you.”
It’s Not About Chasing Results. It’s About Creating Possibility.
If you think this model is about chasing outcomes, you’re missing the point.
I engage with clients not just to reach a goal, but to build a business that performs consistently. That adapts. That grows. That sometimes wins and sometimes doesn’t — but always plays the game well.
And yes, that’s the fun part.
Would you really want to play a game if you already knew you’d win every time?
That question from the participant reminded me why I do what I do.
Performance isn’t a detour from results. It’s the only road that leads to them — with integrity, with partnership, and with the willingness to play for real.
Learning for Performance 