I don't really think it's fair to compare Lenin and Stalin here. Lenin was willing to comprimise a bit and include at least a modicum of capitalism into the Soviet Union, i.e. the New Economic Program. During NEP the USSR was at it's most productive point.

Stalin took over and forced collectivization, sold 80% of foodstuffs (including the parts of the grain that were necessary for the following season's planting) which caused artificial famines. Why? To prove that the Soviet Union could produce as much as the US. If that's what you call courage to try something new, well I don't know what to tell you.

By the way, Lenin was no angel himself.