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The Secret, 4th Edition, Revised and Expanded

What Great Leaders Know and Do

Author Ken Blanchard, Mark Miller
Foreword by John C. Maxwell
Hardcover
$27.95 US
Berrett-Koehler | Berrett-Koehler Publishers
5-1/2"W x 8-1/2"H | 20 oz | 12 per carton
On sale Apr 14, 2026 | 168 Pages | 9798890571816
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In a world where 82 percent of managers struggle to lead effectively, this international bestseller reveals the one secret that separates great leaders from the rest.

“What do I need to do to be a great leader?” Every person in authority wonders this question sooner or later. Ken Blanchard, whose books have sold over 25 million copies, and Mark Miller, who rose from line worker to Chick-fil-A vice president, uncover the secret great leaders already know in this international bestseller.

 Using a classic business fable, newly promoted executive Debbie Brewster asks her mentor the crucial question: “What is the secret of great leaders?” His reply—“Great leaders serve”—confuses her, but he reveals five fundamental ways leaders succeed through service. Debbie discovers why great leaders focus on the future, how teams determine success or failure, what three arenas need continuous improvement, why leadership success has two essential components, and how to strengthen—or destroy—credibility.

 This fourth edition includes the proven SERVE model plus breakthrough content on leadership’s most critical element—a leader’s heart. Discover these new features:

  • Revised chapters
  • New chapter with five HEART habits that form the foundation for great leadership
  • Comprehensive facilitator’s guide for groups and teams
  • Expanded resources for teams and organizations

Translated into twenty-nine languages with over 700,000 copies sold, The Secret delivers proven wisdom in an unforgettable story that anyone can understand and apply immediately.
“Ken Blanchard is what the kids call the ‘OG.’ He has led the way in showing us all the value of servant leadership—and how we can be servant leaders.”
—Simon Sinek, optimist and New York Times bestselling author of Start with Why

“We often think of great leadership principles as common sense—and then forget to put that into action! Read this book and start practicing these truths in your life now!”
—Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times #1 bestselling author of The Earned Life and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

“The Secret is for those who are looking to become the kind of leader who inspires trust, confidence, and extraordinary results. Including a new leadership self-assessment, the book is a must-have for anyone looking to influence the behavior of others.”
—Heather R. Younger, JD, author of The Art of Caring Leadership and The Art of Self-Leadership

“My challenge to you is simple: learn The Secret—then apply The Secret. If you do, your leadership and your life will be transformed forever.”
—John C. Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

“The Secret is a masterclass in leadership—a true management classic. An inspirational and practical guide for how to be the kind of leader people clamor to work with.”
—Bree Groff, author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously)

“One of the many gifts this book offers is a reminder that allowing others’ perspectives to matter helps us influence more positive change. Highly recommend.”
—Michelle D. Gladieux, author of Communicate with Courage: Taking Risks to Overcome the Four Hidden Challenges
Ken Blanchard is the founder and chief spiritual officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies. His books have combined sales of more than twenty-one million copies in forty-two languages. Ken is also cofounder of Lead Like Jesus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and equipping people to be servant leaders. View titles by Ken Blanchard
Mark Miller started his Chick-fil-A career in 1977 working as an hourly team member. In 1978, he joined the corporate staff as the sixteenth employee—he divided his time between the warehouse and mailroom. Since then, Mark has provided leadership for Corporate Communications, Field Operations, Quality and Customer Satisfaction, Training and Development, Organizational Effectiveness, and Leadership Development. 

Mark’s desire to encourage and equip leaders has taken him around the globe. His writing has reached around the world as well. Today, there are over 1 million copies of his books in print in twenty-five languages. View titles by Mark Miller

About

In a world where 82 percent of managers struggle to lead effectively, this international bestseller reveals the one secret that separates great leaders from the rest.

“What do I need to do to be a great leader?” Every person in authority wonders this question sooner or later. Ken Blanchard, whose books have sold over 25 million copies, and Mark Miller, who rose from line worker to Chick-fil-A vice president, uncover the secret great leaders already know in this international bestseller.

 Using a classic business fable, newly promoted executive Debbie Brewster asks her mentor the crucial question: “What is the secret of great leaders?” His reply—“Great leaders serve”—confuses her, but he reveals five fundamental ways leaders succeed through service. Debbie discovers why great leaders focus on the future, how teams determine success or failure, what three arenas need continuous improvement, why leadership success has two essential components, and how to strengthen—or destroy—credibility.

 This fourth edition includes the proven SERVE model plus breakthrough content on leadership’s most critical element—a leader’s heart. Discover these new features:

  • Revised chapters
  • New chapter with five HEART habits that form the foundation for great leadership
  • Comprehensive facilitator’s guide for groups and teams
  • Expanded resources for teams and organizations

Translated into twenty-nine languages with over 700,000 copies sold, The Secret delivers proven wisdom in an unforgettable story that anyone can understand and apply immediately.

Praise

“Ken Blanchard is what the kids call the ‘OG.’ He has led the way in showing us all the value of servant leadership—and how we can be servant leaders.”
—Simon Sinek, optimist and New York Times bestselling author of Start with Why

“We often think of great leadership principles as common sense—and then forget to put that into action! Read this book and start practicing these truths in your life now!”
—Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times #1 bestselling author of The Earned Life and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

“The Secret is for those who are looking to become the kind of leader who inspires trust, confidence, and extraordinary results. Including a new leadership self-assessment, the book is a must-have for anyone looking to influence the behavior of others.”
—Heather R. Younger, JD, author of The Art of Caring Leadership and The Art of Self-Leadership

“My challenge to you is simple: learn The Secret—then apply The Secret. If you do, your leadership and your life will be transformed forever.”
—John C. Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

“The Secret is a masterclass in leadership—a true management classic. An inspirational and practical guide for how to be the kind of leader people clamor to work with.”
—Bree Groff, author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously)

“One of the many gifts this book offers is a reminder that allowing others’ perspectives to matter helps us influence more positive change. Highly recommend.”
—Michelle D. Gladieux, author of Communicate with Courage: Taking Risks to Overcome the Four Hidden Challenges

Author

Ken Blanchard is the founder and chief spiritual officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies. His books have combined sales of more than twenty-one million copies in forty-two languages. Ken is also cofounder of Lead Like Jesus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and equipping people to be servant leaders. View titles by Ken Blanchard
Mark Miller started his Chick-fil-A career in 1977 working as an hourly team member. In 1978, he joined the corporate staff as the sixteenth employee—he divided his time between the warehouse and mailroom. Since then, Mark has provided leadership for Corporate Communications, Field Operations, Quality and Customer Satisfaction, Training and Development, Organizational Effectiveness, and Leadership Development. 

Mark’s desire to encourage and equip leaders has taken him around the globe. His writing has reached around the world as well. Today, there are over 1 million copies of his books in print in twenty-five languages. View titles by Mark Miller

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