The Secret, 4th Edition, Revised and Expanded

What Great Leaders Know and Do

Foreword by John C. Maxwell
Hardcover
$27.95 US
On sale Apr 14, 2026 | 168 Pages | 9798890571816

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 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.

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