The Seven Special Forces of Today’s Leader

One of the best-trained soldiers in the Netherlands shares the seven key characteristics of leadership (personality).

These times call for a new kind of leader: people who act out of courage and compassion, not selfishness and fear. Sander Arts served sixteen years in the Special Forces in various command positions. In the heat of battle, he learned the seven qualities that make all the difference when it matters most. Every military strategist knows that in war, you must first win the hearts of the local population: win their minds and their hearts. So, courageous leadership begins from within: winning your own heart and mind. Are there barriers, fears, and limiting beliefs? If so, you are being held back by your past and your unconscious patterns, dragging your environment along with you.

Leadership is not an innate talent; it is a choice to take control of your life, and first and foremost, to lead yourself. Anyone who feels fully responsible for themselves can be a role model for those around them and pave the way for future generations of leaders. Whether you’re a Special Forces team leader, a store manager, or still a student, you can learn to lead. But you need the courage to explore your inner world. The courage to lead will guide you on that journey.