An autocratic anarchistic democratic meritocracy

At this point in history, political science suggests that there is no ideal solution to human organisation, and that elements of most political systems have both utility and deficiencies.

The greatest benefit of autocracy is that, at your discretion, you can adopt and/or exclude elements of any other political philosophy whenever it suits your goals. Leading your tribe is therefore an opportunity to adopt the best elements of every political philosophy, and (at least at this moment in my life) I think the ideal style of governance is an Autocratic Anarchistic Democratic Meritocracy. Of course you’re thinking, isn’t that an oxymoron? Obviously yes, though I’m being both tongue-in-cheek and entirely serious simultaneously.

At times, you should autocratically decide whatever you think is right. As the chief, the buck stops with you, and your vision is what established your tribe in the first place.

At times you should let the creativity of individualism take over and let anarchy reign, at least for a time. Sometimes the best possible decisions and outcomes can come from entirely unlikely places, and humanity's power to predict pales in the face of its power to create.

At times, you should seek the counsel of your tribers and let them contribute to the evolution of the tribe. There are times the chief should recognise their own limitations, along with the incredible potential of the tribe as a whole, and let the tribers dictate the direction, with a caveat that...

You should seek out the opinions of the most meritorious voices in the room. Most obviously these voices might belong to your tribal elders or your flying stars; less obviously they might belong to the introverts who speak rarely but represent a silent majority, or those with very different histories or perspectives to the norm, who are more likely to bring new and innovative ideas that shake-up and ultimately replace the status quo. Merit is not measured by a resumé, but don’t delude yourself into thinking every voice should have equal say.

Strict democracy leads to mediocrity, every time.