THE PENDULUM

by Rachel Southmayd, January 8, 2010

Former Presidential Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers addressed a packed McCrary Theatre Thursday night, discussing the role of leadership in contemporary society.

The lecture, called "Leadership in Challenging Times," is the first of two Myers will deliver at Elon University.

Myers began by describing her extensive experience in the world of politics, which began when she was a volunteer for the 1984 presidential campaign of Walter Mondale. In 1991, she accepted a position with then-Arkansas governor and presidential candidate Bill Clinton, and following his election, served as press secretary in 1993 and 1994.

"It was an exciting couple of years," said Myers of her White House years. "Life with Bill Clinton is never boring."

Myers said her time in the White House was different than any job she'd had before. "No one tells you what to say. Your job is a little bit like a reporter. You have to get the facts straight and protect the President's perogative to make decisions, " said Myers.

It was in this dynamic role Myers said she learned an important lesson in leadership. "Leaders have to be flexible," she said.

Since her tenure as press secretary, Myers has been a political analyst, best-selling author, Vanity Fair contributing editor, and consultant to the television show West Wing.

Myers went on to offer the audience a list of people she considered to be great leaders. This list included President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, President Barack Obama, former eBay CEO Meg Whitman, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and celebrity and philanthropist, Bono.

She used these examples to highlight aspects of leadership she found particularly admirable, such as Secretary Clinton's work ethic. "She always knows what she's talking about. She outworks everybody," said Myers.

Myers said she sees leadership qualities in President Obama because the way he handles his goals. "Barack Obama is always focused on his longer-term goals. He's willing to lose the short-term argument," said Myers.

She referenced the Obama administration's effective and honest handling of the recent breaches of airline security.

Myers concluded by offering additional advice to aspiring leaders, encouraging students to discover their passions. "Learn as much as you can, but more importantly, learn what you love," she said.

She also emphasized the importance of hard work, effective communication, collaboration, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Sophomore Alex Pedicone said she enjoyed the speech. "I didn't know what to expect," she said. "It was very informative and entertaining. It was very easy to take in and accessible."

Senior Marshall Sharpe attended the speech because of his interest in politics, and said he was impressed with her wit. "I like what she said about leadership. Her catchphrases were overused, but I liked her examples of good leadership a lot," he said.

Myers will return to Elon Jan. 8 for a public question and answer session in Whitley Auditoriuam at 11:45 and a Jan. 19 lecture to be held in Whitley Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. about her best-selling book, "Why Women Should Rule the World."