
The Secret, 4th Edition, Revised and Expanded
What Great Leaders Know and Do
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Published on 28. April 2026
Book
Hardback
168 pages
979-8-89057-181-6 (ISBN)
Description
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:
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.
“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.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Dimensions
Height: 223 mm
Width: 148 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
314 gr
ISBN-13
979-8-89057-181-6 (9798890571816)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Ken Blanchard | Mark Miller
The Secret, 4th Edition, Revised and Expanded
What Great Leaders Know and Do
E-Book
04/2026
4th Edition
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
€27.49
Available for download
Previous edition

Ken Blanchard | Mark Miller
The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do
What Great Leaders Know and Do
Book
09/2014
3rd Edition
Berrett-Koehler
€25.50
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Ken Blanchard & Mark Miller