Do you believe that a previously deployed leader is a better leader then one that has not?

I do not think so. I have met NCOs who have deployed as both leaders and soldiers and cannot lead. I have met NCOs who have not deployed but are outstanding leaders. Leadership is based on the person and not always on the experience. While the experience of being deployed may help a soldier with knowledge based on their expereince, if they do not have the characteristics of a leader, that experience can be all for nothing. I do however feel that deployments can help a leader understand things better and can assist them in better understanding and in creating relevant training, although once again, if you weren't a leader to begin with, this aspect could be lost.

Leadership is a trait that exists in all sorts of professions; not just the military.  Good leaders are present everywhere.  It just so happens that many people develop (or sometimes find) those skills to lead while on a deployment.

Being a deployed leader provides an opportunity for practical experience not available to garrison leaders. This doesn't mean a garrison leader is incompetent. Practicing theory is not the same as practicing experience. Theory, however, prepped us pretty damned well for Gulf War I.