The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do

Ken Blanchard · Mark Miller

Sep 2014 · Berrett-Koehler Publishers

About this ebook

The authors of Great Leaders Grow use a fable to lay out what is the secret to great leadership in this internationally bestselling guide.

It’s a question that everyone in a position of authority—whether in a multinational corporation or a local volunteer group—wonders sooner or later. Here Ken Blanchard, whose books on leadership have sold over twenty million copies, and Mark Miller, who worked his way up from line worker to vice president of Chick-Fil-A, one of the largest fast-food restaurant chains in the country, uncover the secret that great leaders already know and detail what you need to do to truly inspire and motivate others.

The authors get at the heart of what makes a leader successful using a classic business fable. Newly promoted but struggling young executive Debbie Brewster asks her mentor, “What is the secret of great leaders?” His reply—“great leaders serve”—flummoxes her, but over time he reveals the five fundamental ways that leaders succeed through service. Along the way, Debbie learns:



• Why great leaders seem preoccupied with the future

• How people on the team ultimately determine your success or failure

• What three arenas require continuous improvement

• Why true success in leadership has two essential components

• How to knowingly strengthen—or unwittingly destroy—leadership credibility



This new edition includes a leadership self-assessment so readers can measure to what extent they lead by serving and where they can improve. The authors have also added answers to the most frequently asked questions about how to apply the SERVE model in the real world. As practical as it is uplifting, The Secret shares Blanchard and Miller’s wisdom about leadership in a form that anyone can easily understand and implement.

“You don’t have to be older to be a great leader. The Secret shows how to lay the foundation for powerful servant leadership early in your career to maximize your impact.” —Claire Diaz-Ortiz, Head of Corporate Innovation and Philanthropy at Twitter, Inc. and author of Twitter for Good and Hope Runs

“When you learn The Secret, don't keep it to yourself. Share it and use it with your people. It will make a difference in their lives and their performance.” —Donald G. Soderquist, former Vice Chairman, Wal-Mart, and founder of the Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics, John Brown University

“If you know The Secret, both relationships and results will prosper. It's a perfect move in your life from success to significance.” —Bob Buford, author of Halftime

Ratings and reviews

You will view life and work in a completely new perspective after reading The Secret it will challenge you, both personally and professionally. The Secret is the first in a fantastic series of books including Great Leaders Grow, The Secret of Teams and The Heart of Leadership. I highly recommend reading, and rereading, The Secret as this new 10th anniversary edition also includes a leadership self-assessment. Ask me more on Twitter @AlexGaskins and follow Mark @LeadersServe

Your life will change completely

A good read. Helpful

About the author

Ken Blanchard is founder and chief spiritual officer of the Ken Blanchard Companies and is one of the world's most prominent authors, speakers, and consultants. He is the author or coauthor of more than sixty books.

Mark Miller is currently serving as vice president, organizational effectiveness, at Chick-fil-A, Inc. He is also the author of The Heart of Leadership, The Secret of Teams, and, with Ken Blanchard, Great Leaders Grow. His blog, GreatLeadersServe.org, is rated as one of the top leadership sites in the world.

John C. Maxwell is an author, speaker, and pastor who has written more than 60 books including The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.