Sometimes leadership is less about creating a vision from scratch and more about recognizing what is already working, and amplifying it. In this case, the CEO has been steadily building the company, yet external pressures from the Board obscure the progress being made.

1. Understand the Metrics That Matter

While the Board debates vision statements and CEO roles, the company is quietly making steady profits. Recognizing which parts of the business drive growth is critical. For this team, profitability comes from both B2C and B2B sales, and debt repayment has been strategically structured over the past two years. Leadership requires knowing these numbers intimately and being able to articulate them clearly.

2. Acknowledge Contributions and Sacrifice

The CEO and CFO have been personally absorbing financial strain to keep the company stable. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about honoring the labor, time, and sacrifice that sustain growth. When contributions go unrecognized, especially by powerful stakeholders, it can create tension that undermines morale and clarity.

3. Prepare to Communicate with Clarity

Sometimes the best way to resolve Board-level tension is to show progress, not just promise it. Preparing a structured presentation of achievements, financials, and changes helps align stakeholders on facts rather than emotions. Leadership is about controlling the narrative with integrity and transparency, even in high-pressure environments.