Mr. S., how old are you? I'm guessing (and hoping for your sake) that you're very young and just don't have a lot of life experience yet.
Your problem is one of balance. It is possible to be feared and yet respected. Let me explain:
I'm the lead guitarist in a band. When we first started up, it became apparent that I was the person who knew most about music, arranging, utilizing time efficiently, etc. I started to realize that I had to lead these people, and correct and confront them often due to their relative inexperience, inappropriate pride, and inability to apply a strong work ethic to practice sessions (too much conversation and fooling around).
I really just wanted to be liked, and I experienced great pain in always having to be the "bad guy". It really tore me up inside because I knew there was some resentment. But they all started realizing and expressing that if it weren't for me, they would be floundering as a band.
Long story short, I learned to accept that this was my role, and that there inevitably would be resentment and hard feelings, and I learned not to care. Now I correct people without apology and with assumed authority, BUT... I also take great care to encourage them when they need it (and when it's warranted).
I command complete respect with them now, and there is definitely a certain amount of fear that they have of me. But I do not rant & rave. This would only serve to cause them to fear my immature outbursts. Instead, they fear being called on the carpet, and of my calling attention to real, substantive issues that need correcting. Even though they fear me, they respect me because I BALANCE my authority with kindness and encouragement when appropriate. This is critically important.
A good leader is tough, is fair, demonstrates competence, and demands respect without throwing hissy-fits. Leadership and garnering the respect of others are a thinking man's game.
I can't tell you how much I abhor people who fly off the handle in fits of rage. Those who treat others this way go through life with lots of people who are gunning for them. Fits of rage are the epitome of immaturity and insecurity.
Learn to command respect by the criteria I mentioned above, and you will have a life full of people who will go to the ends of the earth to help you. Keep on the path you are on, and you quite possibly end up like one of the cold, dead dictators that you cited above.
You're welcome.