sometimes the strong stay on and make changes. it takes no guts to leave and bail. it takes strength to stay and make changes in the environment.

I think the opposite of the statement is true. the weak bail, the strong stay, make changes and succeed. no one says the changes will be easy or forthcoming, no success story of any value is easy....if to fight for something you believe in is so worth the cause, if you truly believe in it.

don't rely on what other business people say...competitors may not be likely to be honest about ceo's (and honestly to a non-mgt employee..if you are not in the mgt loop you might just be getting bs)

I would suggest that if you do move on, align yourself with employees at your level, not the ceo, etc. nothing can cause employee trust issues then a new employee who doesn't relate to their coworkers but does solely to upper mgt. regartdless of company size.

good luck in your decision