Guildmasters, managers of guilds, typically rise from the ranks of the guild itself. Important qualifications include being a master (see the Artisan, p. 15) and demonstrating a high level of skill. Ultimately, however, the other masters of the guild select their leader (after payment of appropriate fees, of course). Sometimes, this results in generational conflicts as older masters refuse to elevate junior guildsmen in order to preserve their own power. The masters typically act as a committee when performing guild business, though they might elect chairmen or treasurers to handle administrative tasks. Within the guild, the power of the masters is nearly absolute. The masters have sole authority to induct new members, discipline troublemakers and collect taxes levied on the guild by civic and regional rulers. The power and status of guildmasters outside the guild depends on the power of the guild itself. In some societies, guilds are organized largely to make tradesmen easier to tax, the guilds themselves holding little power. In others, guilds are powerful players in civic politics. Like modern unions, they can and do inconvenience rulers by striking, and guildmasters are often guaranteed seats on advisory councils.