We talk a lot about being our authentic selves, at least if the web is to be believed. But what does that really mean? And how does being an authentic self really permeate through our work and reflect positively on our employer? First, I think it’s about more than who you work for.

I strive personally for my authenticity to shine through in my dealings with all kinds of people who might not be related. In an ideal world, legions of people with whom have had contact with me but don’t know each other would be able to talk about their individual experiences with me and reflect on a common theme across those interactions.

This mantra isn’t anything I have written down, but I’m cognizant of it pretty much all of the time.

1. Be Real

This one boils down to “Don’t say anything behind someone’s back that you wouldn’t say if they were in the room.” We can often get into trouble trying to put on airs for people, in an effort to save face or to keep the peace. While I understand the penchant, I’m far more inclined to spend my time thinking less about what frustrates me about other people and thinking instead about what I can do to make those interactions go more smoothly. This doesn’t always work, but I just prefer to think about all of the horrible stuff people might say about me — especially unfounded — than to waste a lot of brain cells trying to conjure up what irritates me about someone and it generally serves me well. Especially when I’m supervising younger people, where favorites can often emerge without trying.

2. Always Be Helpful

I just figure that you never know what someone else is going through. People show up on your office or on the phone, and you just never understand what their needs are stemming from. Whether their boss is on their back or they just need something to go their way, I do my best to think less about what I’m going through when someone appears in my world and to try to help them through whatever they’re dealing with.

3. Listen

This one probably should be first. Last year, I met a lot of new people. One of the common themes they seemed to takeaway from our interactions, was how much I really listened what they were saying. Sometimes if you’re not always vocal, people can assume you’re tuning them out. Maybe they get used to this from their other friends or at home. But I’m always paying attention to the tea leaves. Doing so gives me inside information that might someday be useful. Plus, I just know that I like feeling when people are being sincere and so, I try to give back as much of that sincerity when I’m in a position to listen.

These are just a few things. I could go on and on. But the point of this authenticity is always being mindful. We think so much about institutional brands. Some of us enforce them in print or on the web. But we don’t always give a thought to every aspect of our own personal brands. Whether it’s how we dress, the words we communicate with or other things, I think it’s important to spend a bit of time thinking about the ways to make our day-to-day lives easier through intentionality.