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Catch People Doing Things Right

How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads

A heartfelt biography honoring the leader whose vision shaped Blanchard and transformed the way the world leads.

Book cover of 'Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads'
Featuring Blanchard's Co-Founder

Millions

of leaders inspired by his servant leadership philosophy

45+ Years

transforming leadership development globally

25M+

Leadership books sold worldwide

The Leader Who Taught Us to Lead with Love

Leadership inspiration

Ken Blanchard

Leadership Visionary & Author

When Ken co-founded Blanchard, he brought a radical idea into business: the best leaders serve, people grow when they're seen, and catching people doing something right can be the spark for transformation.

Every framework, workshop, and conversation we share with clients today is built on Ken's belief in the power of leading with love.

Ken Blanchard's Legacy Timeline

01
1939: Born in Orange, New Jersey
02
1961: BA in government and philosophy, Cornell University
03
1963: MA in sociology and counseling, Colgate University
04
1967: PhD in education administration and leadership, Cornell University
05
1969: Co-authored "Management of Organizational Behavior," introducing Situational Leadership®
06
1979: Co-founded The Ken Blanchard Companies
07
1982: Published "The One Minute Manager," selling over 15 million copies
08
1985: Introduced Situational Leadership® II (SLII®)
09
2005: Inducted into Amazon's Hall of Fame as a top 25 bestselling author

A Story of Service, Resilience, and Joy

Ken Blanchard leadership moment

About This Biography

This candid biography tells the story of how bestselling author, speaker, and business consultant, Ken Blanchard, revolutionized management by leading with love and service.

Through extensive access to personal papers, letters, and interviews spanning six decades, readers will discover how Ken overcame doubt, loss, and skepticism to build one of the world's most respected leadership companies.

More than just a business biography, this is the story of a leader who proved that success doesn't require ruthless ambition, it requires heart. Ken's journey is a testament to what's possible when you lead by putting people first.

Memorable Quotes

"Servant-leadership is all about making the goals clear and then rolling your sleeves up and doing whatever it takes to help people win."

— Ken Blanchard

"The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority."

— Ken Blanchard

"Feedback is the breakfast of champions."

— Ken Blanchard

"Help people reach their full potential. Catch them doing something right!"

— Ken Blanchard

Highlights from the Book

Leadership Icon

An inspirational biography of a leadership icon

Transformational Leadership

An exploration of how leading with love and service transforms organizations

Personal Insights

Personal insights from papers, letters, and interviews

Proven Principles

Proven principles of positive reinforcement

American Success Story

A powerful story about caring leadership

Ken's Influence Lives...In Every Leader We Serve

At Blanchard, we don't just talk about leading with love, we live it. Ken's legacy isn't a chapter in our history — it's the heart of everything we do. From frontline training to executive coaching, our work continues to honor his vision: leadership that brings out the best in people.

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What People Are Saying

Discover how Ken Blanchard's leadership philosophy has transformed lives and organizations around the world

"Ken Blanchard was talking about vulnerability and love in leadership way before any of us."

Brené Brown

#1 New York Times bestselling author of Dare to Lead

"Ken is an excellent example of inspired leadership—he leads from his soul."

Deepak Chopra

New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of Leadership

"This book beautifully captures how Ken has dedicated his life to showing the world that great leadership isn't about power or ego."

Garry Ridge

Chairman Emeritus, WD-40 Company

Join the Legacy

Discover how Ken Blanchard's revolutionary approach to leadership can transform your organization and inspire your team.

Pre-order the Book

Explore the Story

Dive deeper into Ken Blanchard's leadership philosophy through podcasts, interviews, and insightful articles

Podcasts

Listen to leadership insights

Character with Robert Dilenschneider

Blanchard LeaderChat

Robert Dilenschneider explains the components of character and shares achievements of leaders who shaped our world, providing invaluable advice for young leaders on courage, integrity, and leadership.

Video Interviews

Watch leadership in action

Ken Blanchard on Leadership and The One Minute Manager

Ken Blanchard

Ken Blanchard shares insights on leadership principles and the enduring impact of The One Minute Manager.

Articles

Read leadership wisdom

My Personal Leadership Point of View

Ken Blanchard

Ken Blanchard shares his personal leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of developing a clear, teachable leadership point of view based on key influences, values, and expectations.

Continue Your Leadership Journey

Discover more resources and insights to help you lead with purpose and bring out the best in others.

About Martha C. Lawrence

Meet the accomplished author bringing Ken Blanchard's story to life

Author & Editorial Expert

A former editor at Simon & Schuster and Harcourt, Martha C. Lawrence has shaped the voices of some of the world's most successful thought leaders. As executive editor at Blanchard, she has collaborated with Ken Blanchard for more than 20 years, including on Trust Works!, winner of the San Diego Book Award. Her editing credits include multimillion-copy bestsellers and #1 New York Times titles.

Headshot of Martha C. Lawrence, author and Executive Editor at Blanchard

Martha C. Lawrence

Executive Editor at Blanchard & Award-Winning Author

Notable Works

Catch People Doing Things Right book cover
Catch People Doing Things Right: How Ken Blanchard Changed the Way the World Leads Current Biography
Trust Works! book cover
Trust Works! Four Keys to Building Lasting Relationships Co-authored with Ken Blanchard and Cynthia Olmstead - 2014 San Diego Book Award Winner
Elizabeth Chase Mystery Series book cover
The Elizabeth Chase Mystery Series Murder in Scorpio, The Cold Heart of Capricorn, Aquarius Descending, Pisces Rising, Ashes of Aries - Edgar, Anthony, Agatha, and Shamus award-nominated

Celebrate the Legacy of Leadership

Be part of the story. Pre-order the biography and celebrate the legacy of a leader who shaped generations.

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