He doesn't stand above his people when they sin. He doesn't stand apart from them when they meander in the wilderness. He remains intimately identified with them even as he bears the tension of leading them. The difference is crucial. Authoritarianism is the manner in which tyrants and bullies threaten and throw their weight around.
Authority is what genuine leaders display as their people recognise their gifts and graces.
People know that the tyrant's authoritarianism is a burden for them. Just as surely they know that the leader's authority is a blessing. Meekness, strength exercised through gentleness, is authority manifested and acknowledged. All of us are voters. Moses was the both the meekest and the most effective.