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It's hard, but important, to tease out the personality issues from the business issues in a situation like this. The personality stuff is a pain in the neck, but the business stuff is very serious in this case. Anger management: definitely a personality issue. The guy is probably under a lot of pressure and doesn't know how to deal with it, so he lashes out. If you could continue to put up with it, you could probably stay and succeed. Does not pay on time: definitely a business issue. This is a sign that this guy will have to be replaced if the company's product gets to market and succeeds. There's no way this guy will be able to manage a business growth phase, where meeting commitments to all stakeholders (customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders) is vital. If he has enough power to prevent his own replacement, this company is doomed. If he doesn't the company may be doomed anyway, because investor-appointed CEO quality is unpredictable. Keep in mind what Gen. Charles de Gaulle said. "Graveyards are full of indispensible men." Your departure won't trash this company. You've given it four good years. You've (hopefully) learned a lot. You've done what you can to make the company successful. If you have options on the usual plan, they have probably vested. You can, with honor, move on to your next opportunity. You'll go through a period of mourning when you separate from these people. You probably know the phases: denial, negotiation, anger, sadness and finally acceptance. It's unpleasant but perfectly normal. Good luck. |