Don't tell them you are close to the breaking point - that will make them question your judgements. But you have to be firm that things need to change. If lie

Don't tell them you are close to the breaking point - that will make them question your judgements. But you have to be firm that things need to change. If lieutenants are subordinates (that part is not clear to me) lay out what needs to be done by who. If they are unwilling or unable to do the assigned tasks then fire them and replace them with people who will do their job. They are your employees not your bffs. If lieutenants are peers then this doesn't apply.