Originally Posted by
Pontius Navigator
A better leader is one who creates an atmosphere where people want to succeed rather than one who is coercive.
That is debateable.
I would much rather work for such a leader, but history is full of very unpleasant leaders who were very successful.
I would suggest that the only sensible metric for measuring "better" would be in terms of success.
If you look at the great fighting forces of the world throughout history, I think it is fair to say that the vast majority have/had extraordinary harsh training environments involving what we would definitely consider a bullying environment rather than a nice atmosphere.
These forces still managed to be disciplined.
the fact that this might be unpalatable does not make it any less true.