Honesty is hard to come by, especially in business. But Andrew Mason, founder and (former) CEO of Groupon, took the road less traveled with his recent announcement. As reported in the Wall Street Journal and Business Insider, Mason was fired. And he didn’t try to sugar coat it. He didn’t say, “I’m leaving to spend more time with my family” or “The board and I came to a mutual agreement.” Instead, in a farewell letter to his staff – which he released publicly – he was transparent. He told the truth and admitted that the leadership change was good for the company’s strategy. With Groupon’s underperforming stock and recent dismal performance, Mason says he understands the board’s decision, takes responsibility for the company’s poor performance, and wants what is best for the company.

If half the CEOs in America were as authentic as Mason, I believe we would be on the right track to repairing the crisis of trust running rampant in America. I admire Mason’s straightforward approach to a difficult situation and his true leadership in so many ways. His admission of accountability is powerful. He took a DARE that too many CEOs and other leaders are afraid to take. Will you follow his lead?