Acknowledgments
The first people we want to thank are the people who helped create the SERVE model for Chick-fil-A. They are Lee Burn, Mark Conklin, Cynthia Cornog, Phil Orazi, and Tim Tassopoulos. Their insight, diligence, and hard work were the catalyst for this work. Thank you!
It must also be known that Truett Cathy, Jimmy Collins, and the other leaders of Chick-fil-A have field tested the principles in this book for decades. These men and women have shown the way for countless emerging leaders. They are a real-world testimony to the power and validity of what you have read in this book. Thank you for showing all of us how to SERVE!
We must also thank Donna Miller, Fran Plunkett, Steve Gottry, and Martha Lawrence for their outstanding efforts and patience as they assisted with the editing, proofing, and rewriting of multiple drafts. They deserve much of the credit for the readability of the final product.
We would also like to recognize some of those who made comments and suggestions along the way through multiple manuscripts. Thanks to Greg Anderson, Dick Bowley, Bill Dunphy, Jim Fallon, George Flury, Debbie Goins, Nathan Hightower, Thomas Hofler, Jay Kimsey, Rob Martin, Tim Miller, Sonny Newton, Barry Odom, Lee Ross, and Beau Sides.
A number of writers and thinkers have devoted their energy to many of the topics covered in our book. In doing so, they have helped us refine our presentation. Among those we would like to acknowledge here are Warren Bennis, Bobb Biehl, Sheldon Bowles, Marcus Buckingham, Peter F. Drucker, Robert Greenleaf, Phil Hodges, Bill Hybels, Spencer Johnson, John Maxwell, Michael O’Connor, Andy Stanley, Jesse Stoner, and Drea Zigarmi.
Others who helped in the process are James Gottry, Linda Purdy, Ginny Van Der Geest, and Sjaak Van Der Geest, production assistants; and Margery Allen and Anna Espino, Ken’s two right hands.
Finally, we want to thank all the people around the world who believe that there is a higher form of leadership—leadership that is not based on power or position; rather, leadership born out of a servant’s heart. You are an inspiration for all who know you. Thank you!