Ziva takes to the streets, having been giving an issue a little thought, and wanting to gather some opinion on it.

Taking the liberty of leaning against the window of her favorite cafe, knowing that the owner, a distant cousin, wouldn't mind too much about that so long as her speech brought him in a little passing trade, she begins to speak.

So, we've had one hell of a lot of discussions lately, about auth. About leaders. About who we choose, about why we choose. All about the choice made at the top to allow people to step up in bold suits.

It probably goes as far back as the announcement by Godfather Cantona on the Staten Island leadership competition, does this type of debate on a recent basis, although I'm sure it's probably been an age old question around our world. I remember a couple of interesting threads and debates around that time about what makes a leader. And we did see some action from that. We saw a lot of the potential leaders making a real effort to engage the public. Although the contests themselves ended, probably quicker than most would've hoped, they certainly generated some interesting debate and discussion in our world and for that we should probably be quite grateful.

But the question that I want to ask today, isn't what you would look for in somebody you'd auth, or what qualities you think a person needs to be authed.

It's about the leaders that these auths turn out to become. Because the process of becoming a leader is by no means over the day you purchase your HQ and don your bold suit for the first time.

When you first stepped onto these shores and began your search for the proverbial foot in the door to this world, what qualities did you seek in a leader? Friends of the family, somebody well presented and well spoken, somebody who seemed to have a certain type of personality, a bloodline with a reputation, a mixture of the above? Perhaps even something else entirely?

The second part to this question, is a little more opinion based. Put plainly: who's the best leader you've ever encountered, be it someone your bloodline has worked under, or somebody your bloodline has worked with, or just admired? Not the most brutal, not the most powerful, not the most legendary, per say. Just the one you considered to be the most enjoyable, most rewarding, most fun to work with. The best in that respect, not in the best of the best respect.

Ziva lights up a cigarette and waits to see who may turn out to pass comment on her questions.

Good evening Miss Ziva. 

This is something that hasn't been brought up in awhile and its something that should always be on someone's mind. Not just your own but as outsiders. I look at other organizations and I wonder, how did they become so large? How do they have so many associates. They must be doing something right. And at times, most organizations are doing something right. The few ones that aren't, often find themselves struggling down the line. And they fade out.

To me, a leader is everything. My first leader was ToyArmadillo and what stood out to me was his naturally good looks. Along with his smooth tongue and way of words, he seduced me into joining him. I kid, obviously. But in all seriousness, Mister Armadillo's bloodline and my own go back quite a far way. We have known each other for a good minute now and its the trust we have for each other that has moved me. The amount of time, the amount of respect, and his overall persona that sets him apart from all the others that made me join him. So to me, he was the best and only option at the time.

Your second question really has made me think. Over the years my bloodline has worked with so many leaders. Some more than once even. I've worked with the likes of the great Deimne, Phil_Steak, Oliver_McTavish, Vazzi, and several others. I mention those four specifically because those struck me the hardest with their ever lasting teachings and ways of this world. But in the end I have to admit that my current leader is the best leader I have ever encountered. I believe I mentioned why earlier so I won't waste anymore time stroking my boss's ego...

Rob walks into the cafe to grab a cup of joe. He makes eye contact with Ziva before he walks in. As their eyes connect he gives her a wink. 

Danger once again slips into the Streets to listen to a speech that caught her attention. Listening to Ziva and HandsomeRob she thinks about her own reply.

When I stepped onto these shores I had a certain type of personality that I was looking for. I may have had higher standards than what is possible but I tried to find the one most likely to meet my requirements. Sounds a bit like a contradiction to my own speech? Well I wasn't asking people to make me offers so much as looking for particular qualities. I felt with the qualities I was looking for in a leader that it would make my time more pleasant rather than stressful on these shores. I simply wanted to be the best that I could be without added on issues if you will. So I sought out what I thought was best suited for such things.

Pausing to contemplate the second question. Tapping her palm with her fingers as she thought.

I don't think I could pick just one leader to call the best. I'd have to say TheDean, Tank, CrazyNine and Helix. There may have been a few that were great to work for that I haven't mentioned but these four would be the best and hard to pick between. They are the leaders I've had the highest respect and regard for.

Danger slips back to the shadows again.

What do I look for in a leader. An interesting question.

Well, first and foremost, and forgive me for the obvious answer, but someone with the capability to lead. I don't mean someone who simply puts on the bold suit and sits back in their ivory tower, but someone who puts themselves out there for the world to see. Someone outspoken and unafraid to cause a stir and communicate with the people in the streets. 

I don't care much about "reputation", as that can be lost just as quickly as it is earned. I prefer to judge someone by their actions, not the actions of their grandfather's grandfather's grandmother. Obviously, sometimes it's as simple as making a friend and having our bloodlines remain friends throughout the years. Other times it's taking a walk down the streets and seeing who's active, and who isn't. And what KIND of activity they are participating in. A person who is unafraid to stand up for what they believe, even if it's unpopular, will always gain my respect. A person who will back down from their convictions in the face of opposition or because they're afraid of conflict? That kind of person will not be at the top of my list of what I'd call a "leader". 

A sense, perhaps, of idealism. That we can be better, that we can strive to do great things, and that we're more than merely a money supply so that you can buy the services of yet another bodyguard. Who treats their crew as valuable members with opinions all their own, and gives them the ability to voice those opinions - even if they don't necessarily agree. 

A fine balance between a strong courage of conviction, and the flexibility to listen to other viewpoints and understand, or adopt, those viewpoints if the case is made strongly enough.

Most of all, there's just a certain quality... a certain spark... not something you look for, but it's something that, sometimes, you'll still manage to find.

As for the "best" leaders I've worked for? Without naming specific names, as I am far too old and decrepit to remember them, I'll say that the bloodlines of tiggy, tita, and VendettaJames were always fun to work with - even if we bickered and my forebears ended up getting shot in the face. My current crewleader, TokyoZombi, is among the best bloodlines I've worked with as well. And I will, too, always remember fondly the days of Solar and Ganelon, who taught my grandpappy many things about the ways of war.

Ziva, an old aged question right there, but a question that will never be too old to ask, it will always be a hotbed of contention just because, IMO, the probable correct answers are not really ones that we abide by for authing someone.

Let me delve slightly deeper, I think for most parts the answer to this is of a generic nature. A leader should lead by example, of course they should but its how they do this. For me a leader should posses a sound knowledge of how this place works, nothing speaks louder than experience. This person should have a proactive approach, they should be someone who just wants to give back to their family, someone who doesn’t rest on their Loral’s and gives back just as much as they receive. 

Approachability is a must and this person needs have a cool head on their shoulders and a specific way with words. This person needs to understand how to gain respect and appreciate the honour bestowed on them.

In ideal world, if you posses at least these qualities then you have a shot at auth but this is not always the case. I think what we repeatedly find is those in power will auth a trusted bloodline, a friend, someone they trust, some do it as a returned favour for a person authing their farther/mother etc. Some will auth simply on how good a killer a person is, even though they may not possess any, or enough qualities to lead. 

With that said, is it wrong to auth someone because you worked with their mothers, sisters, dead husbands, second cousin, that sit in the same coffee shops, for me, no not really. If you think about it, as a leader you have to protect your assets, or districts and your members, surely it would be a safer bet to auth someone who you know, trust, who you have worked with countless times before, if nothing else but for peace of mind. I know this logic in the past has created a lot of negativity but you have to look at it from both sides of the proverbial coin, it would be ignorant not to and sometimes it’s the correct path to follow.

The question then should be; is this notion, this way of thinking derogatory to this thing we have? Does it have a negative effect? Should there be an unwritten rule that when a district has at least 3 crews(including GF) leaders a new bloodline should be authed in?

I think sometimes your business head has to over rule your heart, it may not always be a safer bet to auth the unknown, although sometimes the unknown auths come out best because they bring a fresher outlook to things. Ultimately, all you can do if you want auth is work hard, show your worth, and sit in correct circles, have patience and see where that rockets you to. 


In terms of favourite leaders, I cant really pick out one specific (I have had that many down the years) I think its best to choose a period of time; this would be, TheDeans NY and all of the Crew Leaders of that era, scarin, fatality etc. That whole period was awesome and one I have extremely fond memories of.

I think a leader has to have the obvious skills

Time management, as easy to get caught and carried away with the amount of things have to do.

Dommunication, without it you will quickly feel cut off.

Delegation, this is key for the smooth running of any HQ.

Charisma and Self Confidence. big pay off on the streets this way and to give a crew confidence.

Intelligence, as i believe a crew should be a learning experience.

Drive/Ambition, anyone can sit with a HQ and collect money, not all have the drive to stand out, this can pay off especially recruitment wise.

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Why did i join the crew I joined, quite simple Detroit had a cause i believed in, so even though i had been offered a position as a hand with Emeritus I said I would rather help Bodie and Detroit.  I didn't particularly whether i joined Bip or Dripples side of Detroit, just as long as could help.

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I wouldn't say there is a bast leader i have ever worked for or one who has gripped me for a long time since the days of MKM and Josmooth as people gave so much 1 on 1 time back then, made a big difference to how my family line developed and stuck around.

More recently the main people i have felt more comfortable with are Striphes family line as have a lot of laughs working with him.   Is not so much like work then.

Speaking of leadership qualities, what do you think is better, wiser or more effective: ruling through fear or ruling through love? I imagine both having their pros and cons but I wonder what applies best in this thing of ours.

In my short time here I've noticed that a couple CL's that try running crews on straight fear usually get unwanted swimming lessons.  However the same goes for those that tried to love their enemies to death.   The most effective crew leaders were ones that the crews under them were active.  Success of the crew had very little to do with the leadership style of the crew leader and a lot to do with how well the LH, RH and other members of the crew kept the borderline people active. By "borderline" I meant, those that could participate more if engaged enough and had a high enough desire to actually participate.  I've seen crews that keep people alive way too long just to be nice and see if they come back leaving the crew weak come war time.  I've also seen leaders follow their "rules" exactly and due to RL factors (armed forces, death in the family) lose players who were active, well respected members of the family.

In closing, I belive CL's that remember that although they are a CL and their words will be followed they may not be respected bedause respect is not given it is earned. Yes that CL may have earned a GF's respect thus getting the CL position in the first place that CL needs to keep showing respect to his crew, both old family friends and the new blood if they want to have a long lating run as a CL.

Well, first of all, thank you all for taking the time out to come and response here, it's fantastic to see some well thought out responses.

Ziva smiles warmly to the assembled group.

Turning first to HandsomeRob, she addresses him.

I look at other organizations and I wonder, how did they become so large? How do they have so many associates. They must be doing something right. And at times, most organizations are doing something right. The few ones that aren't, often find themselves struggling down the line. And they fade out.

A very true statement, I think. Our world is quietly rather ruthless to weaker leaders, weaker districts and in the past, to weaker cities. I remember reading the journals of my first ancestor here, Anna, of the death of Detroit after the contest won by Revolve.  Detroit at that time was in a much weaker position than the other four cities, just before the split of our world into districts. I can't remember the exact reasoning for the move, but it did ensure that none of the previous established cities were required, upon the advent of districts, to share a city with another established city.

But in all seriousness, Mister Armadillo's bloodline and my own go back quite a far way. We have known each other for a good minute now and its the trust we have for each other that has moved me. The amount of time, the amount of respect, and his overall persona that sets him apart from all the others that made me join him. So to me, he was the best and only option at the time.

There are people in our world who are strongly against the practice of joining people because of previous relationships - in general, would you share that stance? Would you consider it possible that in the future, your bloodline might choose to join a person previously unknown to them? Have you done it in the past? 

Personally, I have no issue at all with joining a person on the basis that you know the bloodline or trust the bloodline, but that does seem to be a general theme in debate around here.

I've worked with the likes of the great Deimne, Phil_Steak, Oliver_McTavish, Vazzi, and several others. I mention those four specifically because those struck me the hardest with their ever lasting teachings and ways of this world.

My bloodline too worked with Phil_Steak and with Vazzi, and I would also agree that the teachings of those two have stuck with me in the time since where I believe my bloodline has grown as part of this world. My line, however, has never had the privileged of working with Deimne or Oliver_McTavish - and as you said, you explained what you admire most in ToyArmadillo. Might I ask what set Deimne and Oliver_McTavish apart from others, in your mind?

Turning next to Danger, she offers a smile.

Hey Danger. Thank you also for taking the time out to come and speak.

When I stepped onto these shores I had a certain type of personality that I was looking for. I may have had higher standards than what is possible but I tried to find the one most likely to meet my requirements. Sounds a bit like a contradiction to my own speech? Well I wasn't asking people to make me offers so much as looking for particular qualities. I felt with the qualities I was looking for in a leader that it would make my time more pleasant rather than stressful on these shores. I simply wanted to be the best that I could be without added on issues if you will. So I sought out what I thought was best suited for such things.

A most respectable way of finding your correct match - I hope that's worked out for you. Helix is held in high regard by my bloodline. But don't tell him that. He'll never let me forget I said it!

Could I ask you some of the types of qualities it was you searched for? I don't think there's any harm in having high standards when searching - after all, you're pretty much pledging your life to following this person. Why do it for somebody you can't truly enjoy your life in this world working for?

I don't think I could pick just one leader to call the best. I'd have to say TheDean, Tank, CrazyNine and Helix.

As with HandsomeRob, you've listed a few leaders there I was never able to work for - although I've heard good things of. Can I ask what set them apart from others for you? What made them special, so to speak?

Khayyin!

Ziva's face lights up at the sight of a fellow North Sider.

A person who is unafraid to stand up for what they believe, even if it's unpopular, will always gain my respect. A person who will back down from their convictions in the face of opposition or because they're afraid of conflict? That kind of person will not be at the top of my list of what I'd call a "leader". 

You like fair set of balls then, so to speak, on your leader?  I have to admit - that's something I respect in a leader as well. Being able to stand up for what you believe - that makes a leader. Backing down makes a follower, in my eyes.

A sense, perhaps, of idealism. That we can be better, that we can strive to do great things, and that we're more than merely a money supply so that you can buy the services of yet another bodyguard. Who treats their crew as valuable members with opinions all their own, and gives them the ability to voice those opinions - even if they don't necessarily agree. 

A fine balance between a strong courage of conviction, and the flexibility to listen to other viewpoints and understand, or adopt, those viewpoints if the case is made strongly enough.

I'm not sure of a world that would particularly summarize in one go what you've said here, but I do understand what you mean. I guess a leader needs to be able to inspire their people? To stir them up, to give them passion, to make them feel like what they follow is worth following and to make them feel important to their particular causes?

I'll say that the bloodlines of tiggy, tita, and VendettaJames were always fun to work with

I've never had chance to work with tita or VendettaJames, but I'd like to take a moment here to pay personal tribute to the tiggy bloodline. Not universally popular, and she definitely managed to stir up feelings in people. I might not be everybody's idea of the ideal leader, but without that woman, I'd probably never have had the guts to step into a bold suit at all, for fear of failure. 

My current crewleader, TokyoZombi, is among the best bloodlines I've worked with as well.

A moment here too, I think, to pay tribute to TokyoZombi. The woman seems to run a fantastic crew, and from the perspective of working alongside her, a fantastic addition to North Side. 

Just as Ziva is about to move along to the next set of responses, one of her bodyguards taps her on the shoulder, drawing attention to the time and reminding her of a per-arranged meeting. Slightly sadly - she'd been enjoying herself here - she realizes that she must wrap things up for now.

Ladies and gents, I have to dash for the evening. To those I haven't gotten around to responding to, I'll be back tomorrow!

A blacked out car pulls up on the sidewalk. With a quick wave of farewell, Ziva hops in.

Danger smiles at Ziva.

I am glad you asked your questions. I have tried to answer them to the best of my ability but there are some things that can't be put into words.

Could I ask you some of the types of qualities it was you searched for? I don't think there's any harm in having high standards when searching - after all, you're pretty much pledging your life to following this person. Why do it for somebody you can't truly enjoy your life in this world working for?

 I look for a leader who can leave the coffee shop rumors and bandwagons alone. A leader that I can rely on to not say "Well your bloodline did this so you must be this" or "I heard this about your bloodline so because I heard it, it has to be true." So in essence one that could use their own judgement without the interference of others thoughts or opinions. Getting that at every turn does not make me a very productive member, which is in essence what I would rather strive for. I looked for a family that made you work for your ranks. I didn't want to just be promoted just because I was there. I wanted to earn it. I also wanted to see that it was the same for everyone. In other words that there was a system that valued ranks and didn't promote people just because they were besties. I am sure there are a tonne of other things I looked for as well but those are the main two things.

Am I saying all the leaders would? No, but I did not speak to every single leader when I was trying to make a decision.

As with HandsomeRob, you've listed a few leaders there I was never able to work for - although I've heard good things of. Can I ask what set them apart from others for you? What made them special, so to speak?

 Each of the leaders that I have picked have taught my bloodline something valuable. These people have taught my bloodline some important lessons along the road. Some of the lessons took a very long time to get but my ancestors eventually got it. I know this is less detailed but I feel that it is better this way. I mean they are the ones that were the best my bloodline has worked for.

I think the best leaders leave you with something that you will always remember. For me, these are the people that have.

I hope I have answered all of your questions.

Danger goes back to her corner to sip on one of her flasks.

Rob listens as Miss Ziva gives her own ideas before he addresses back to her. 

A very true statement, I think. Our world is quietly rather ruthless to weaker leaders, weaker districts and in the past, to weaker cities. I remember reading the journals of my first ancestor here, Anna, of the death of Detroit after the contest won by Revolve.  Detroit at that time was in a much weaker position than the other four cities, just before the split of our world into districts. I can't remember the exact reasoning for the move, but it did ensure that none of the previous established cities were required, upon the advent of districts, to share a city with another established city.

 My bloodline remembers the removal of Detroit during that time. I believe the reason was due to someone having said they wanted to strike Philly down the line and before they could even make it down the line, Philly struck them down. I'm not the best historian by any means but I am sure that was the reason. 

There are people in our world who are strongly against the practice of joining people because of previous relationships - in general, would you share that stance? Would you consider it possible that in the future, your bloodline might choose to join a person previously unknown to them? Have you done it in the past? 

Personally, I have no issue at all with joining a person on the basis that you know the bloodline or trust the bloodline, but that does seem to be a general theme in debate around here.

My bloodline has personally joined someone they did not know. Battista in New Orleans, under the great BoabyWonKenobi (if thats how you pronounce it). The reason being is that Battista presented himself clear, concise and very intelligent like. Getting to know him after a few brief conversations prior to joining his organization really showed me how his family would be beneficial and a great time. The tendency that people forget is that we are all individuals. I mean I am more than just an earner. More than just a face in any organization. I am a person, a human being. I may make my living knocking over liquor stores and the like, but that doesn't mean I should be treated any differently. When a new leader who my bloodline has never had the opportunity to work with approaches me, its pretty easy to figure suit if I can see myself working for him. 

My bloodline too worked with Phil_Steak and with Vazzi, and I would also agree that the teachings of those two have stuck with me in the time since where I believe my bloodline has grown as part of this world. My line, however, has never had the privileged of working with Deimne or Oliver_McTavish - and as you said, you explained what you admire most in ToyArmadillo. Might I ask what set Deimne and Oliver_McTavish apart from others, in your mind?

Deimne was a very unique guy. Not only was he an intelligent man, but he always gave you the time of day. He enjoyed meeting the people who worked for him. He enjoyed giving people opportunities. He was trustworthy as well. When you approached him with a problem, or an issue even, he handled it with complete professionalism and genuine even. He was a very admirable guy who was loved by many. His bloodline has always been that way.

Oliver_McTavish, what can I say? When the world turned over after the "rounds", a few people knew how to conduct business. There were only a hand few who knew how to run an organization. How to lead, how to fight. And back then you needed how to do both. Oliver set the standard in certain things. He created rules that and order that we still uphold to this day. I admired him most for being able to go against the odds and take charge. He ultimately killed off the tyrant at the time, DiscoDuck, and for that alone his praise was well deserving. The next of kin, Marietta was also someone to admire.

My line was called to these shores by a crewleader so it really wasn't a consideration. Standard considerations also didn't apply for my first ancestor to be with someone other than Vazzi. So by the time one of my ancestors was first making a decision on a home there was strong influence from family friends, and then there were a few places the ladies landed via circumstance.

After the death of Arya is when I'd say the most consideration of a crewleader was made by my line. We decided we were going to join ToyArmadillo even though ToyArmadillo was not actually a crewleader yet. So at that point we essentially decided not just amongst all the crewleaders, but beyond that and decided we wanted to be with him.

The best leader my line has encountered was SpaceCowboy. There are many leaders we've liked or respected for various reasons (and of course Arya fucking adored Jack_Carter) but SpaceCowboy essentially had a city full of people who mostly disagreed with his decision in last May's war and then stood with him anyway because of the vast amounts of love and respect he'd garnered from the people in his city. That's special.

I'd dare to say FlyingPig [With Manny as his RHM/HSL] would rank as the best leader I had the fortune to serve under.
I would like to give an honorable mention to RumbleFish, MorbidAngel, IzzyCreamcheese, Robespierre, AnitaCP and Ganelon.