[n_t]

> a high-flyer who had enjoyed several brushes with scandal in the past, mainly for rubbing people up the wrong way. Nevertheless, he had his admirers (snip) who thought he was ‘generous and very clever’, ‘an extremely reasonable man’ – just what the stuffy civil service needed at a time of change and rising pressure from Byzantium’s neighbours. Few others saw it that way. Many bristled at Nikephoros’ tactless and aggressive behaviour, at the way he locked others out of important decisions and limited access to the ruler. He was accused, too, of giving his friends a leg up and showing them favours they had not earned and did not deserve. He was arrogant, clumsy and scorned those who criticised him.

Oh man! I was unsure if I was reading about long gone Roman advisor or one of our contemporary ;)