Treating People Well: The Extraordinary Power of Civility at Work and in Life

By Lea Berman and Jeremy Bernard

'Lea and Jeremy’s stories from the White House are not only fascinating, but reveal lessons about the ways we treat one another that can be applied universally. No matter your beliefs, background or what you do for a living, there are takeaways from this book that will make each of us better human beings. By focusing on the things that unite us – love, kindness and empathy – Treating People Well has the power to change the world for the better.' Karlie Kloss, supermodel and founder of Kode With Klossy

'Treating People Well is an essential guide for getting along and getting ahead in our world today. Authors Lea Berman and Jeremy Bernard show us how people from opposite ends of the political spectrum and all walks of life can build relationships, earn trust, and succeed by treating others with civility and respect. Full of life lessons that are both timely and timeless, this is a book that will be devoured, bookmarked, and read over and over again.' John McCain, United States Senator

'I loved this book! Yes, as promised in the title, it shows you the value of treating people well and gives expert advice, but that is only part of it. The two authors – both former White House Social Secretaries in different administrations – provide fascinating glimpses of what’s behind the scenes at the White House. You’ll learn a lot while being vastly entertained.' Joan Ganz Cooney, founder, Sesame Street

Written by two former White House Social Secretaries, Treating People Well is a guide to developing social skills in order to build more successful relationships. 

Using their unique access, the authors describe the behaviours that shape how an individual is perceived.  While manners and etiquette may not seem relevant in today’s technology-burdened, politically contentious world, modern life has caused many people to feel disconnected and uncomfortable in their interactions with others.  

This essential book gives readers the tools to live each day more positively, forging connections based on trust and mutual respect.  The authors offer advice such as how to develop confidence, be consistent, use humour, listen carefully, radiate calm, resolve conflicts quickly, be honest but never cruel, cultivate loyalty, own your mistakes, work with difficult people, and attend to details, whether in the office or at home, dealing with friends or colleagues, as a student, a new employee or an experienced executive.  Working in the most charged workplace possible, Lea and Jeremy honed these skills over years, striving to apply kindness, empathy and genuine caring to achieve success. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
• Release date: Feb 8, 2018
• ISBN: 9781471168215

Lea Berman

Lea Berman served as White House Social Secretary from 2004–2007, was Chief of Staff to Second Lady Lynne Cheney from 2002–2003 and, previously, Social Secretary to the Vice President. She is the creator of the blog America’s Table, and lives in Washington, DC.

Reviews for Treating People Well

[strandbooks_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

My coworker Andy picked 2 books for our work book club to attract more participants. Woman in the Window was the fun one, Treating People Well is the more work-related one. It is written by the White House social secretaries for the Bushes and the Obamas. Although it is a little more self-helpy than I usually read, I liked the many anecdotes of White House guests, event mishaps, and ways they all tried to keep their lives in perspective, while maintaining the stature and dignity that the White House traditions required (or used to require...there are a few digs at the current administration without calling them out specifically). The book also made me even more aware that I would never enjoy nor be successful in an event planning career!