INSPIRATION CORNER
Everyone is a leader
Each era produces its own leaders, whether they are outstanding singers, talented poets or skilled athletes. Leadership is not the privilege of a select few, but a quality that can manifest itself in any field. This is particularly important in the business world, where successful management is impossible without elements of leadership. At the AIFC, we believe that every employee has the potential to be a leader.
Leadership vs. management
Some people think that leadership and management are the same thing. However, Kotterman (2006) points out that although leadership and management overlap, they are distinct fields. Both involve influencing, working with people and striving to achieve common goals (The Guardian, 2013), but they require different approaches and skill sets.

Katz (1955) argues that leadership is a multidirectional relationship of influence, whereas management is a unidirectional relationship of authority. In other words, leadership is about setting a vision and inspiring people to follow it, while management focuses on the execution of specific tasks and processes. The AIFC encourages everyone, regardless of position, to embody leadership.
Leadership as a skill
Leadership is not only an innate gift, but also a skill that can be developed. Each of us can choose to be a leader or just go with the flow. In a work environment, however, there may be no choice. If you are in a managerial role, you automatically become a leader. But even if you are not in a management role, you can still practice situational leadership – stepping up when the moment calls for it.

Ongoing self-development, time management and investment in training are essential to gaining respect and fostering effective teamwork. A commitment to personal growth, seeking feedback and learning from experience are also essential to developing leadership skills. (Forbes, 2023)
Set your direction
Before you dive into your work, it's important to define your direction and stick to it. This will help to avoid loss of motivation. It is important to stick to your moral principles regardless of the circumstances. For example, apologising for being late for a meeting demonstrates your sense of purpose and respect for your colleagues.
McKinsey (2022) emphasises the importance of having a clear vision and aligning your actions with your values to maintain direction and purpose in your leadership journey.
Organisation and discipline
A leader should be organised and disciplined. This helps to inspire the team by example. It is important to set clear goals and not make excuses for not achieving them. Involvement in collaborative planning motivates employees and builds team spirit.
In addition, leaders who are disciplined create an environment of accountability, which leads to higher levels of performance and team cohesion. (Robison, 2022)
Effective management
Challenges are always present in the business world. Rather than being overwhelmed by their complexity, it is imperative to focus on the outcome. Effective team management involves working closely with your colleagues, motivating and supporting them.
The American Management Association (2023) points out that effective leaders build strong relationships with their team members, fostering trust and cooperation.
Communication and honesty
A leader must be able to communicate effectively with the team and be honest and straightforward. The ability to encourage and praise employees' achievements is a key inspiration tool. This helps to keep them motivated and increases productivity.
As noted by Capowski (1994), clear and honest communication is essential for building trust and maintaining team morale.
Situational leadership at the Astana International Financial Centre
At the AIFC, we encourage every employee to become a situational leader. This means stepping up and taking charge when the situation calls for it, regardless of your formal position. Whether it's leading a project, mentoring a colleague, or simply setting a positive example through your actions, situational leadership helps us all contribute to a dynamic and responsive workplace.

Leadership and responsibility
Robert Joss (2007), Dean of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, said: "Leadership is measured by one's ability to contribute to the growth of a particular organisation, to withstand the difficulties that arise there, and to take responsibility for them. It is not about fame, power or career, it is about responsibility". This perspective underlines that true leadership is about responsibility and resilience, qualities that we encourage in every employee at the AIFC.
Conclusion

Everyone is a potential leader. By developing your leadership and management skills, you can make a significant contribution to the success of our business. Remember that leadership is not just a position, but a daily behaviour that inspires and leads the team to success.
Embrace your role as a situational leader, invest in your development and inspire those around you. In doing so, you will not only advance your own career, but also drive our organisation to greater heights.
References
Kotterman, J., (2006) Leadership vs Management: What’s the difference? Journal for
Quality & Participation
The Guardian, (2013) What's the difference between leadership and management?
Katz, R. L., (1955) Skills of an effective administrator, Harvard Business Review
Forbes, (2023) An Essential Leadership Skills for the 21st Century
McKinsey & Company Featured Insights Digest, (2022) What is leadership?
Robison, J., (2022) What leaders should focus on in 2022, Gallup
American Management Association, (2023) Types of Management Styles: Which Style Are You?
Capowski, G., (1994) Anatomy of a leader: where is the leader of tomorrow? Management Review
Joss, R., (2007) Leadership Is Not About You, Insights by Stanford Business
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