"You finally understand, yes. And that is part of why I always wanted you to join us. Experiences shared, especially those tied to things other than war, can form bonds that will last." He stood and walked over, putting a hand on Zuko's shoulder.
"Some leaders lead people through fear and intimidation. Their people will follow until there is something they fear more. Some through distant respect. Their people follow, but it is a distant sort of thing. But some leaders step off their thrones, Zuko. Some leaders show their people that they are a leader when one is needed, and a friend and person the rest of the time. Those leaders are followed out of more than respect, and something greater than fear." He dropped his hand, and acknowledged the problem with that.
"Though the more people one leads, the harder that becomes. Because there will always be people who see proof of humanity as weakness, and there will never be enough hours in the day to connect with everyone. And for people with a temper, there is always the chance of that attempt blowing up in your face."
But then he offered a warm smile. "But as with all things, Zuko, the secret is balance. You want your foes to fear you, your people to respect you, yes. But you also need people who genuinely see and like you. I do not know," his voice got more grave and serious now, "if I would throw myself in harm's way to save my brother." He did not ever want to have to test that. "I would, however, die to protect you, my boy. And that has nothing at all to do with being a leader."
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2021-06-07 07:51 am (UTC)"Some leaders lead people through fear and intimidation. Their people will follow until there is something they fear more. Some through distant respect. Their people follow, but it is a distant sort of thing. But some leaders step off their thrones, Zuko. Some leaders show their people that they are a leader when one is needed, and a friend and person the rest of the time. Those leaders are followed out of more than respect, and something greater than fear." He dropped his hand, and acknowledged the problem with that.
"Though the more people one leads, the harder that becomes. Because there will always be people who see proof of humanity as weakness, and there will never be enough hours in the day to connect with everyone. And for people with a temper, there is always the chance of that attempt blowing up in your face."
But then he offered a warm smile. "But as with all things, Zuko, the secret is balance. You want your foes to fear you, your people to respect you, yes. But you also need people who genuinely see and like you. I do not know," his voice got more grave and serious now, "if I would throw myself in harm's way to save my brother." He did not ever want to have to test that. "I would, however, die to protect you, my boy. And that has nothing at all to do with being a leader."