Kylsant gained a reputation for acting unilaterally and autocratically, without consulting other board members. Ban reasoned that a large multi-ethnic Empire ruled autocratically by one man could not succeed. In the 1940s, work ethic was considered very important and nonconformist ideals were dealt autocratically. The Yan brothers became the most powerful officials in the capital Luoyang and ruled autocratically. Like his father, Bramwell Booth ruled autocratically, and expected complete obedience. Opponents believed that he was acting autocratically, including recruiting a private police force.