How to be a (good) politician? I Avoiding the 10 traps of power
European Liberal Forum
The political foundation and think tank of the European liberal family | Connecting Europeans with liberal ideas
Dear Readers,?welcome back to the Liberal Newspage!?
What do Sophie Wilmès, Hadja Lahbib, Winston Churchill, Mark Rutte, Barack Obama and Ursula von der Leyen have in common? Well, they are all politicians, and each of them has faced at least one of the ‘10 Traps of Power’ highlighted in ELF’s latest publication written by Katrien Van den broeck.??
Also, they all managed to recover, adapt, and renew their political profiles. Whether it was managing crises, building alliances, or strategically stepping back when needed, each of these leaders embodied political survival skills that have helped them to avoid major pitfalls that ended the careers of many others.?
Challenges of being a (good) politician?
Power is a double-edged sword. It grants influence, opens doors, and enables leaders to shape the world around them. But it also brings unseen dangers: with time, politicians can become less approachable, more self-centred, overly confident or paralysed by insecurity. In today’s hyper-connected world, the rise of social media, 24/7 news cycles, and the increasing political polarisation have made leadership more demanding than ever. A single misstep, a moment of weakness, or a poorly handled scandal can bring down an entire career overnight.?
Women in politics face even higher stakes. They are scrutinised more harshly, expected to prove themselves constantly, and often judged by double standards that do not apply to their male counterparts. Even in progressive societies, female politicians are often dismissed, excluded from key decisions, or forced out of office under more significant pressure than men.?
In the past few years, remarkable women leaders like Jacinda Ardern, Nicola Sturgeon, and Sigrid Kaag stepped away from politics - not because they lacked ability, but because the environment was unsustainable. Their experiences are a wake-up call: if even the most capable women struggle to thrive and survive, then something is fundamentally wrong with the system.?
A survival guide for women (and men) in politics?
In ELF’s latest publication ‘Confronting the 10 Traps of Power – A survival guide for women (and men) in politics’ Katrien Van den broeck, with over 15 years of experience in European and Belgian politics, draws from real-life cases to illustrate how power changes people. The book is not about abstract leadership theory, it is a roadmap for political survival, designed for those who navigate the high-stakes world of government, policymaking, and political strategy.?
At its core, Confronting the 10 Traps of Power is about awareness. Katrien Van den broeck identifies ten key traps that politicians regularly fall into, categorizing them into four main sections:?
Each of these traps is common, recurring, and highly destructive - yet they are often ignored until it’s too late. By recognizing these pitfalls in advance, leaders can stay ahead of crises, preserve their integrity, and maintain public trust. The difference between those who succeed and those who fall is not just intelligence or skill. It is the ability to recognize and navigate the dangers of leadership.?
Event: How do women thrive and survive??
Listen to former and current leaders about what power is like and how they have challenged the non–legal barriers for women in politics on 04 March at 6:30 pm at Merode, Brussels.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, the European Liberal Forum, the Alliance of Her, and the Merode co-organize a panel discussion and book launch to discuss what it is like at the summit of power. We will hear from current and former leaders on how they have challenged the non-legal barriers for women in politics and business.?
Among our speakers, we have:?
Join us for a dazzling evening at the heart of European power to inspire more female leaders to rise and survive in the hardship of politics!?