Good post Christina.  What immediately came to mind was what the new boss hoped to gain by discussing her planned tenor.  (Little in my mind.) The story also reminds me of a post (http://wp.me/p1TJPv-Uw) where the author describes leadership being akin to threading a needle of contradictions.  Need to be honest, ethical, compassionate, transparent - but also tough, fair, decisive and optimistic.  It's all a fine balance - which is why many state that they have had few great bosses in their careers.