[Joe 6-pack]

Military history is replete with examples of leaders who were loved by their men, and held in contempt by their superiors as well as men who were held in contempt by their men and loved by their superiors.

It only makes sense to me that in order to assess the qualities of a leader, one must talk to those he's actually led.

That's not to say it should be strictly a popularity contest as their superiors certainly also need to assess the individual's ability to accomplish the missions they've been assigned.

[dfwgator]

Military history is replete with examples of leaders who were loved by their men, and held in contempt by their superiors

"Goodnight, Mister Roberts."

[GGpaX4DumpedTea]

“That’s not to say it should be strictly a popularity contest as their superiors certainly also need to assess the individual’s ability to accomplish the missions they’ve been assigned.”

General George Patton was like by his men, no matter how tough he was at times with them, and hated by many of his superiors. But he always accomplished the mission. In my opinion the two best generals in WWII were tank commanders...Patton and Rommel.