We’ve all heard of the Golden Rule:  “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matt 7:12). And it’s true, right? We want to surround ourselves with generally pleasant people who are kind, no matter what. As leaders, we should try our best to practice good manners in every situation — even if nobody’s watching.

On her blog PracticalGlamour.org, Constance Dunn shares an anecdote about a casting agent she knows that speaks to one significant point about kindness:

I know a woman. She works in casting. She has a fool-proof way of selecting the right talent for her clients. She poses as the underling whose job it is to sign in the actors and models as they come in the door for their auditions.

This helps her spot the wheat from the chaff personality wise. Behavior wise, really. Her job is all about booking the right talent for her clients. Not just the best actor or model with the best look—but the best person.

The one who will show up on time, with a good attitude and a pleasant vibe. A person who won’t be a pain in the arse, in other words. Bad talent doesn’t make for great shoots. And clients tend to not be fond of casting directors who send them annoying talent.

When actors and models meet the casting director or a decision-maker, they are typically all smiles, all sunlight and rainbows and amiability. This is not always the actor or model’s demeanor when they meet the intern, the assistant or so on.

Stepping back, into a position of perceived lesser status, enables this woman to see the true person, right off the bat.

It’s simple. Practicing kindness towards any anyone in any and all situations will get you far. Regardless of the amount of power they have, social status, gender or anything else — treat everyone how you want to be treated.