Catch People Doing Things Right

WINNER OF THE 2025 BEST BOOK AWARD FOR BIOGRAPHY

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

Ken Blanchard transformed modern leadership theory through unlikely means-by catching people doing things right. Written like a novel with warmth and humor, this authorized biography reveals how a mediocre student who was told he "couldn't write" became a bestselling author and a globally renowned management expert.

Through extensive access to personal papers, letters, and interviews spanning six decades, Martha Lawrence paints an intimate portrait of the man behind The One Minute Manager and dozens of other influential books. From his early days coaching Cub Scouts to building a worldwide training organization, Blanchard demonstrated that nice guys can finish first by focusing on serving rather than being served.

During pivotal moments-his sister's tragic death, losing his home to wildfire, economic downturns threatening his company-Blanchard's optimistic leadership philosophy was tested. Yet his unwavering commitment to bringing out the best in others while leading with love created a lasting legacy that continues to influence organizations globally.

More than just a business biography, this book shows an American success story of someone who achieved greatness not through ruthless ambition but by genuinely caring about people and helping them reach their full potential. Blanchard's story offers an inspiring road map for anyone seeking to lead with both results and relationships in mind.

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• Introduction
• Prologue
• 1. Family Roots and Childhood 1939–1944
• 2. Leadership Beginnings 1945–1957
• 3. The Cornellian 1957–1961
• 4. Margie 1961–1962
• 5. Thwarted Dreams 1962–1966
• 6. A Key Partnership 1966–1970
• 7. Developing a New Leadership Philosophy 1970–1976
• 8. A Company Is Born 1976–1980
• 9. The One Minute Manager 1980–1983
• 10. Growing a Global Organization 1980–1989
• 11. Finding Faith 1986–Present
• 12. Chief Spiritual Officer 1990–2001
• 13. The Servant Leader 2001–2007
• 14. Refiring, Not Retiring 2007–2020
• 15. Leading with Love 2020–2023
• Discussion Guide
• Transcription of Ken’s Tape to His Dying Father, 1979
• Books by Ken Blanchard
• Notes
• Acknowledgments
• Index
• About the Author

“Ken Blanchard was talking about vulnerability and love in leadership way before any of us-his fingerprints and heart-prints are all over my work and my life. The idea of ‘catching someone doing something right' shaped how I lead, live, and parent.”
-Brené Brown, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller Dare to Lead

“Few people have been as influential a leader as author, thinker, and guru Ken Blanchard...one of the top leadership authorities of the century.”
-The American Management Association

“Ken Blanchard is what the kids call the ‘OG.' He has led the way.”
-Simon Sinek, bestselling author of Start with Why

“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

“Leadership is about lifting people up-something my friend Ken Blanchard has been doing for decades. This vibrant story of his life is as entertaining as it is inspiring.”
-John Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

“The impact Ken Blanchard has made on our lives, whether we know it or not, has been extraordinary.”
-Keith Ferrazzi, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Never Eat Alone

“Ken is extraordinary. This is a man who has helped more people thrive in business and life than most ever dream of.”
-Tony Robbins, #1 New York Times bestselling author