What does Machiavellian Arts Management Look Like? Part 3

Maintain Adequate Assistants
The next key idea is Machiavelli’s advice that Lorenzo surround himself with able minded assistants. “The first impression one forms of a ruler’s intelligence is based on an examination of the men he keeps around him.” (Milner, pg. 116) The abilities of an assistant are a direct reflection on the prince. “When they are capable and loyal, he can always be thought wise because he recognizes them as capable and keeps them loyal. When they are otherwise, it always gives a bad impression, since the first mistake he makes, he makes in this choice.” (Milner, pg. 116)
Machiavelli stresses the importance of a ruler surrounding himself with men who are strong enough to have their own opinions and ideas. “There is no other defense against flattery than letting men know that they do not offend you by telling you the truth.” (Milner, pg. 117) It is very apparent that it would be better to have an assistant who will tell the prince that he is unclothed, than to let the ruler go before his court naked and shamed.
Machiavelli then says that it is the prince’s responsibility to cultivate this type of relationship, which would be beneficial for all parties involved. “He should comport himself with each of these advisers in such a way that each knows that the more freely he speaks the more readily he will be accepted.” (Milner, pg. 118) The benefits to this type of relationship are obvious. The prince would receive counsel from trusted and respected men, which reiterates learning from the experiences of others, while his assistants are made to feel that their opinions mattered and were respected.
According to Machiavelli, as part of this union, it is the prince’s responsibility to make the valuable assistant, or anyone who works for the benefit of the kingdom, feel appreciated. “A prince should also demonstrate that he admires the virtues of other people, encouraging men with ability and honouring those who excel in a particular field. For a prince should prepare rewards for….anyone who thinks of any way to make his city or state greater. In addition, at the appropriate time of the year, he should entertain the people with celebrations and performances.” (Milner, pg. 115)