relying on external gratification for fulfillment. There is nothing wrong with desiring these outward symbols as long as they are combined with a deeper desire to serve something greater than oneself. Leaders whose goal is the quest for power over others, unlimited wealth, or the fame that comes with success tend to look to others to gain satisfaction, and often appear self-centered and egotistical. They start to believe their own press. As leaders of institutions, they eventually believe the institution cannot succeed without them. The leadership trap While most people value fair compensation for their accomplishments, few leaders start out seeking only money, power, and prestige. Along the way, the rewards -- bonus checks, newspaper articles, perks, and stock appreciation -- fuel increasing desires for more. This creates a deep desire to keep it going, often driven by desires to overcome narcissistic wounds from childhood. Many times, this desire is so strong that leaders breach the ethical standards that previously governed their conduct, which can be bizarre and even illegal. Very few people go into leadership to cheat or do evil. As Novartis chairman Daniel Vasella (HBS PMD 57) told Fortune magazine , "for many of us the idea of being a successful manager -- leading the company from peak to peak, delivering the goods quarter by quarter -- is an intoxicating one. It is a pattern of celebration leading to belief, leading to distortion. When you achieve good results... you are typically celebrated, and you begin to believe that