The Secret: What Great Leaders Know--and Do [Audiobook] [Audio CD]

 

 

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In this second edition of a book first published in 2004, Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller make skillful use of the business narrative when sharing what they have learned about what "great leaders know and do." However, in fact, their focus is on an aspiring, struggling executive, Debbie Brewster, who confides, "I'm holding on for dear life and might lose my job." Her motivations remind us of Abraham Maslow's "hierarchy needs": first survival, then security, and eventually, perhaps, self-actualization. To date, her performance as a team leader has been poor. She knows she needs help and finds it in a relationship with a mentor within her company, its president, Jeff Brown. Thus begins what becomes her journey of discovery of the "secret" to which the book's title refers, for both Debbie and the book's reader. The details are best revealed in context, within the narrative, as Debbie's performance as a team leader gradually - and predictably -- improves.

Does she become a great leader? No, at least not by the book's conclusion, but that is not Blanchard and Miller's ultimate objective. Rather, their purpose (in my opinion) is to examine a process by which almost any executive can become a more effective supervisor. Specifically, they focus on specific skills that include situation analysis, setting priorities, making decisions, getting associates engaged and in alignment, avoiding or removing barriers, and meanwhile demonstrating the values of what Robert Greenleaf once characterized as "the servant leader" in an essay published in 1970.

In a second essay, "The Institution as Servant," Greenleaf observes: "This is my thesis: caring for persons, the more able and the less able serving each other, is the rock upon which a good society is built. Whereas, until recently, caring was largely person to person, now most of it is mediated through institutions - often large, complex, powerful, impersonal; not always competent; sometimes corrupt. If a better society is to be built, one that is more just and more loving, one that provides greater creative opportunity for its people, then the most open course is to raise both the capacity to serve and the very performance as servant of existing major institutions by new regenerative forces operating within them."

I highly recommend this book to C-level executives and others who have supervisory responsibilities as well as to direct reports who aspire to become leaders. I also presume to suggest checking out the wealth of information now available at the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership. Finally, here are some other sources that may also be of interest and value: Michael Ray's The Highest Goal, James O'Toole's The Executive's Compass, and David Whyte's The Heart Aroused.

I must admit that I don't usually purchase or enjoy very many "leadership" books, but this one is truly different. This book is written in a quick-read style and is very easy to understand. The principles are easy to remember and hard to apply, but have had a transformational impact on my life. I believe readers will find that if they have the guts and discipline to consistently think about ways to apply these principles, they will see a major shift in how people respond to them in their family life, business life, or church life. I have already shared my copy of the book with others, and they have each pointed out specific aspects of the book that they say completely changed their way of looking at the world.

I think this book makes great gifts for people you work with or family members. Don't be surprised if some folks don't "get it"...it's the people that do "get it" that are going to find amazing ways to apply these principles and impact the lives of others!

I recommend this book to anyone in a leadership position. I found the book to be an easy read, yet strong in content. I look forward to implementing the "SERVE" model at work and in everyday life. Thank you Mr. Blanchard and Mr. Miller for your insight into leadership.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Leadership Lessons
This is the story of Debbie, a struggling and a failing leader, who learns the lessons of management from her Boss. Read more

Published on May 31 2004 by Ilaxi S. Patel

5.0 out of 5 stars You can be a leader
This book really inspired me. I always thought great leaders were born, not made. This book demonstrates that by following five enlightened principles, anyone can become a... Read more

Published on May 28 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast, helpful read
I found the book easy to read and adaptable for any leadership situation. The concepts were broad enough to use in any arena, yet specific enough that you know the goals you need... Read more

Published on May 28 2004 by peebeeare

5.0 out of 5 stars A Simply Fantastic Book
Every so often a book is written on Leadership that gets to the point and sticks to the concept throughout. This is such a book. It is marvelously written by Mr. Read more

Published on May 27 2004

1.0 out of 5 stars Ugh!
OK, enough with this guy. I buy into the storytelling power of these business fables, but does he even read what he puts his name on? Read more

Published on May 18 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars What you need to know about leadership!
Leadership is a topic that everyone talks about, but it is often hard to figure out how to be a great leader or teach others to be one. Read more

Published on May 18 2004

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