I seem to recall reading an opinion many years ago that the most effective form of governance - along many axes - is genuinely benevolent and competent despotism. The biggest catch, this opinion pointed out, is there's basically no way to guarantee benevolence. (AFAICT, there's not even a good way to select strongly for it.)

But someone who proved themselves both benevolent and competent through their actions while already in power could be wickedly seductive.