Originally Posted by MH

No.. he was not.
He exploited the unwillingness and state of uncertainty of the allies -this can be given to his credit.
His real skills started to show as soon as the western powers and Russians had started fighting back.
With his aggressive , sometimes chaotic style and blind faith in superiority of German army he gained some short time but unsustainable goals and also defeats early on.
Very often against the better judgement of his generals.

He wasn't stupid idiot but lived in his own fantasy just like many leaders from the past and present.
The very early success gave him enough credit and fan-boys base to act foolishly till it was too late.