Leaders in each generation and each period of time must encounter numerous and various obstacles. Therefore, it is difficult to judge whether leaders in the earlier time are better than leaders today. Goldman Sachs’ CEO turned Treasury Secretary, Hank Paulson said: “I’ve been working with CEOs since the 1970s, and CEOs today are so much better than they used to be.”

It cannot be denied that leaders in the older time were extremely extraordinary. They were not only the founder who built the company from scratch and tiny bits but also the pioneer who buffeted with difficulties to bring up the company. Undoubtedly, they had faced tons of hardships, more than anyone, in starting up their own business. However, leaders today are also as excellent and incredible as ever, some are appraised as even better than leaders in the past. Apple’s Steve Jobs, American Express’s Ken Chenault, Costco’s Jim Sinegal, IBM’s Sam Palmisano are some of the CEOs who have been received praises for their performance.

3 reasons why CEOs today are better than ever

It is reasonable that these CEOs are highly valued for what they have done to develop those large and well known corporations. Competitive market with giant foreign rivals. Increasing power of shareholders. Strong influence of the public. All of those factors affect today CEOs greatly. Therefore, it is not too extreme to say leaders today are as better than ever.