NPR

Former White House Social Secretaries On The Value Of 'Treating People Well'

Lea Berman worked for President George W. Bush; Jeremy Bernard for President Obama. They draw on their White House experiences for a book about the importance of civility in getting things done.
Lea Berman, White House social secretary for President George W. Bush, looks over flower arrangements in the State Dining Room before a state dinner for U.S. governors.

Lea Berman and Jeremy Bernard have organized state dinners and congressional picnics, each serving as White House social secretary for different administrations. Bernard worked for President Obama; Berman for President George W. Bush. And they've collaborated on a new book that uses their White House experiences to draw out lessons in how to handle crises, defuse awkward moments and manage expectations. It's called Treating People.

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