To what extent should leaders be influenced by public opinion when they are making important decisions?

I think leaders should consider public opinion but not be completely driven by it. The main reason is that sometimes what people want in the short term might not be what's best for long-term development. For example, in Shanghai where I live, there was debate about expanding bike lanes - many drivers complained about losing road space, but the city still went ahead because it reduced traffic congestion over time. That said, completely ignoring public sentiment can also backfire, like when unpopular policies lead to protests. So it's about finding that balance between listening and leading.