According to Machiavelli, there are several different characteristics that must be exhibited to include: balanced generosity, compassion, honesty and the ability to listen to only select advisors. When looking at the first characteristic, balanced generosity, this means that a leader can not be too generous with the citizens. Otherwise, they will expect this generosity at all times, the moment that the leadership must increase taxes and have other financial burdens on the citizens, is when they will turn on them. This can affect the stability of the state, where the revenues generated from taxes are used to provide various services to the citizens. During times of crisis, the government may not have the funds necessary to fight wars or other situations that can come out of nowhere. While doing the opposite, being to frugal, will result in resentment from the citizens. This is because of the lack of services that are being provided. Where, such actions will ensure that the government is prepared for various situations that may arise (such as wars or crisis). According to Machiavelli, the key to maintaining popularity and power; is to maintain a balance between the two. Where, you want to be generous enough by providing services that people may require, without having to affect the financial viability of the state. This will help all leaders to be seen as someone who respects the people, but will also protect the state from unexpected surprises that may occur. (Machiavelli, 1988) The second characteristic, compassion, means that all leaders must keep this virtue in balance. Where, they are compassionate to a certain extent, but are also willing to use fear to maintain order. This dual approach is necessary because giving to much compassion to the citizens will create a lawless atmosphere, as certain people will take advantage of this compassion. Over the course of time, this causes the leadership to be viewed as ineffective, which fuels lawlessness. However, taking an approach of using too much fear to maintain order will create resentment among the citizens. The best way to ensure that a balance is maintained between both...

Where, you are compassionate most of the time, yet when the time arises that fear must used, is when you must act decisively. This is how a leader is able to maintain an effective balance between the two. (Machiavelli, 1988)
The third characteristic, honesty, means that a leader must be sincere with everyone. For some people, this is problematic because it gives their adversaries an advantage. Where, they can use this honesty against them. Instead, the ideal leader must be cunning enough to outsmart adversaries. One way to do this is to be honest in most cases, and then when the time arises, this honesty must be replaced by limiting the amount of information that is made available. The reason why this approach is suggested is: that honesty can help to build respect for a leader. Yet, this can be used against them by rivals to make the political situation more unstable. To prevent this virtue from being exploited; requires that all good leaders will exercise traits of honesty with common sense. Then, when times are necessary that they need to adapt is when these leaders can be flexible. This is allowing them to deal with their adversaries on their level, while not providing them with too much information. (Machiavelli, 1988)

The fourth characteristic only listening to the most trusted advisors; means that you are not listening to all opinions on a particular matter. This important because when everyone is providing advice to the leadership it can often lead to confusion about what to do. To avoid such situations requires listening to the most trusted advisers. These are people who have a history of providing good advice, which helps to ensure stability. Otherwise, if anyone can give their opinions to the leadership, means that the overall ability to lead will be brought into question. As such actions will cause leader to be seen as unsure. In order to maintain control requires limiting opinions and making a decision. (Machiavelli, 1988)

Bibliography

Machiavelli, N. The Prince. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988. Print.