Power

Is there an alternative? Or are we doomed to endless cycles of build-and-burn narcissists who seduce us into their ranks, only to drive themselves, their companies -- and us -- into a ditch? According to Smith, the answer is in leaders one might describe as "peer plus one."

"Executives can have strong egos and not be narcissists at all," Smith says. "Michael Dell, for example, brought in a strong board. Bill Gates had an office of the president, which consisted of four people sharing the power. Successful people do have strong egos. But those who succeed over the long haul delegate and create a team of peers. Ultimately, you can't succeed by yourself. You just burn out." Or crash through to the room below you.

Harriet Rubin (hrubin@fastcompany.com), a Fast Company senior writer, has written two books on power. Find her columns on the Web (www.fastcompany.com/keyword/rubin).