The Secret, Fourth Edition

What Great Leaders Know and Do

Foreword by John C. Maxwell
$27.95 US
Berrett-Koehler | Berrett-Koehler Publishers
12 per carton
On sale Apr 14, 2026 | 9798890571816
Sales rights: World

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.
"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, author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

"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, former Head of Corporate Innovation and Philanthropy, Twitter

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

"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, author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

"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, former Head of Corporate Innovation and Philanthropy, Twitter