Machiavelli

When an action is described as Machiavellian, there are often times negative connotations associated with the specific deed. Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin may be described as Machiavellian because they went to great lengths to attain their goal. The two pillaged and murdered ruthlessly to produce visible results. However, they are also two of the most despised men in the world. Hitler and Stalin's ends could never justify the means regardless of their effectiveness in …

…each other and neither the means nor the end can justify the other. We have seen leaders who accomplished little but have had great candor. These leaders are prevalent in corporations today and are often times laid off after a short stay. On the other extreme, Hitler's ends can never justify his actions. The duality of the evaluation of leadership is comprised of both the end and the means with neither greater than the other.