Machiavelli had distinct ideas about what it means to be an effective leader. what element had the greatest influence on the development of these ideas?

A good Machiavellian leader has 5 specific traits:

1. being feared - in his time it was much better for a leader to be feared, because if the people feared you, they would be less inclined to revolt, as opposed to them loving you.

2. support of the people - you need the support of the people, because without the people supporting your decisions no actions can be made.

3. virtue-show good virtues in public, but do what has to be done to succeed in the privacy of your fortress, so basically lie to the people if necessary.

4. use your own arms - don't be dependent on mercenaries, because your own people are more likely to die for you

5. intelligence - without that you cannot hope to gain the support of your people