Your best exec just quit. And you had no idea it was coming.
The metrics looked solid. Meetings felt productive. Everything seemed… fine.
But here’s the thing: it wasn’t fine at all.
The forest floor in this photo looks calm—soft moss and lichen living in harmony. Zoom in closer and you’ll see it’s actually a silent war zone. Different species fighting for the same patch of sunlight, slowly choking each other out. Your executive team might be operating the same way.
On the surface: Polished updates. Aligned priorities. Professional smiles.
Underneath: Unspoken tension. Information hoarding. Micro-territorial battles that drain energy and kill momentum.
I often ask the executive teams I work with if they’re paying attention to the hidden dynamics on the team, the things that aren’t being said.
I get it—these things are hidden, which makes them not immediately obvious. But if you’re not noticing the subtle shifts in tone, eye contact, or responsiveness, you’re missing half the story.
The executive who just walked out? They saw it all. They were tired of the turf wars no one would acknowledge. Exhausted by the politics everyone pretended didn’t exist.
The brutal truth: High-performing executives don’t quit companies—they quit dysfunctional leadership dynamics.
The strongest executive teams don’t just manage what’s visible—they name what others avoid. They understand their competition isn’t just other companies: it might be the silent battles happening right under your nose.
What is your team sensing but not saying? What’s it costing you? And what are you doing about it?
Looking to increase the cohesion, trust, and impact of your leadership team? Reach out and let’s discuss The Compass Team Experience and how I can help.
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