As a kid, I loved superheroes. Being the good guy and making a difference were always important to me. And I desperately wanted to have my own superpower. As I grew up, the realization settled in ââ¡Ã‚¬Ãƒ¢Ã¢â€š¬Ã‚ painful as it was ââ¡Ã‚¬Ãƒ¢Ã¢â€š¬Ã‚ that a superhero's life was not in the cards.

Gaining the trust of your audience requires helping leaders find their authentic voice. Communication professionals can help leaders by identifying ways to meet audience expectations for openness and transparency.

I buried my mother at the end of 2012. I knew that the day would come, yet it was way too soon. At 82, she was battling leukemia ââ¡Ã‚¬Ãƒ¢Ã¢â€š¬Ã‚ and the worst kind. GG, as we called her, had two goals, and was uncharacteristically direct with her doctor the day she was diagnosed: ââ¡Ã‚¬Ãƒ…“I have a grandchild coming [my second daughter] and a wedding to attend [her grandson's], and you're going to help me get there,ââ¡Ã‚¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ she said, leaning her head close to the doctor's and pointing at him. My mom abhorred pointing.