One of the secret responsibilities of a leader—unwritten in every leader’s job description—is that a leader must never disturb the people.
It’s easy to gain fame and power through shock and awe, theater and thrill. But, that is not any kind of lasting model of leading. Such leaders are short lived, having countless, intense, quick-burnout relationships. Leaders that last in office and build societies and organizations that endure through industry, hardship, and conflict will be strong and confident, but they will keep the pace of society operating smoothly, never startling the people with false alarms.
Every society has its moments to rise up in reflection and wrath. The most peaceful societies are the most fierce when their wrath is roused. Consider that Canada was the only nation to ever overpower the United States in war, 1812. Or, consider William Wallace who wanted to be a priest. When actual tragedy strikes, a peacefully strong people will pause to gather their faculties before rooting out the problem permanently.
Beware of any people who thrive or work in peace. Black slaves of America were such a people, undermined by their slavemasters, but later a political force to be reckoned with, just as the Pilgrim-founded American colonies before them. Oppressing, insulting, or otherwise disturbing a peaceful people is a deadly sin.
Trains need to run on time, roads must remain clear, the disruptions of construction should be few and far between. Follow Chicago’s example and do roadwork at night if possible. Keep the economy functioning, avail jobs without the burden of over-regulation, and let people assemble and discuss whatever they want without nannying or censoring their free exchange of candid ideas.
When different peoples are at odds, don’t smack everyone who deserves a good smacking. The peace of the many doesn’t deserve the fallout of smacking the head of a family, business, or state. Be tolerant toward insults, sooth wounds, don’t gag the mouth the shrieks in pain no matter how much your animal instincts want to. Warn of transition’s bumpiness, but make it as smooth as people allow. Use charm, wit, and tact to keep dialog going and solve big problems one bite at a time.