The study of authentic leadership has gained momentum recently because of beliefs that (1) enhancing self-awareness can help people in organizations find more meaning and connection at work; (2) promoting transparency and openness in relationships even between leader and followers builds trust and commitment; and (3) fostering more inclusive structures and practices in organizations can help build more positive ethical climates. In contrast to stereotypical notions of the stoic "hero leader" who shows no weakness and shares no feelings, authentic leaders are willing to be viewed as vulnerable by their followers- a vital component of building a trusting leader-follower relationship. Equally important to building trust is a leader's willingness to be transparent-in essence, to say what she means and mean what she says.