Treating People Well

Treating People Well: The Extraordinary Power of Civility at Work and In Life by Lea Berman and Jeremy Bernard    Audio Book:  7 hours    Hardback Book:  256 pages         

Excellent book.    Lea Berman was Social Secretary and Special Assistant, to Laura and George W. Bush, and was Chief of Staff to Lynn Cheney before that.     Jeremy Bernard raised millions for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign,  worked at the U.S. Embassy in Paris as Senior Adviser to the U.S. Ambassador, he served 2 years as White House liaison to the National Endowment for the Humanities then became the first man and the first openly gay man to hold the position of White House Social Secretary for the Obamas.    Lea and Jeremy decided to get together and write a book sharing some of their experiences good, bad and indifferent while working at the White House and to offere advice to everyone regardless of party persuasion in how best to handle themselves in social and work situations.   They discuss dealing with Divas, dealing with events where people try to crash the party, or bring an entourage when only the person and 1 guest might have been invited.    They discuss trying situations with co-workers, with the public offering advice on how best to respond (or react) in social situations and remaing classy even when you really want to kick someone in their keister.  They teach skills on bearing up in panic situations, how to save the day when disaster strikes and how to remain classy in situations where someone tries to steal your glory.  They share many personal embarrassing stories like when Lea’s strapless dress got caught in a door and when she rushed forward pulled the dress down and was appearing topless on the surveillance cameras, though for some reason no Secret Service or other security staff came to help.  (She did manage to throw herself against the door until she got loose then ran right into actor, Robert Redford who gave her a half-grin.   She maintained her cool though she wondered, had he somehow seen her during her dilemma?)   A very enjoyable book told with class and candor by two A list insiders.   Really good advice on planning events and what to do when something goes wrong.   Wonderful stories and perfection advice.     A must read for all event planners and anyone considering a position working with the political elite.    You have to be watchdog, parent, fixer, and a little magic on your part would help.   Sensational book.   I highly recommend it whether you are in politics, the corporate environment, or dealing with work life and wish you had magical skills to get through your days.    Bravo!