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The Fred Factor: How passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary
by
Mark Sanborn
Seize the chance to be extraordinary.
Who has made the biggest difference in your life? Whose words and actions have uplifted and motivated you to excel? Chances are it was someone like Fred the postman--so outstanding in his service that Mark Sanborn realized this mail carrier could be an example for any person wanting to be extraordinary.
The “Fred factor” is summarized by...more
Who has made the biggest difference in your life? Whose words and actions have uplifted and motivated you to excel? Chances are it was someone like Fred the postman--so outstanding in his service that Mark Sanborn realized this mail carrier could be an example for any person wanting to be extraordinary.
The “Fred factor” is summarized by...more
Hardcover, 128 pages
Published
April 20th 2004
by Currency
(first published 2002)
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This is a very short book whose premise is simple; be considerate and be willing to offer a helping hand without expecting anything more than feeling good about the fact that you want to be helpful.
Rather than telling you what this book is, I can tell you what it is not: this book isn't an epic tale; it isn't Faulkner or Hemingway; it isn't the recipe for curing all the world's ills; it certainly isn't a prescription on how to become a hero.
It is simply a collection o...more
Rather than telling you what this book is, I can tell you what it is not: this book isn't an epic tale; it isn't Faulkner or Hemingway; it isn't the recipe for curing all the world's ills; it certainly isn't a prescription on how to become a hero.
It is simply a collection o...more
Sanborn's encounter with the original Fred - an unusual postman who went out of his way to deliver exceptional service to the customers on his route - provides the basis for this book, which describes (as the subtitle indicates) "how passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary." And let's face it - who doesn't want to be considered a phenomenal human being?
After outlining the four "Fred principles" and providing other examples of rea...more
After outlining the four "Fred principles" and providing other examples of rea...more
Okay, here is my deal. I really like the idea of being inspired to do the best work possible. But the "Fred" Factor has turned into "I'm doing someone else's job" Factor. Sanborn tells stories about people who go above and beyond. Well, that's fine and good but, people take advantage of this. Let me explain. At one point, Sanborn was staying in a hotel and he spilled coffee on his only pair of pants (that he had to wear home the following day). He asked the hotel if they coul...more
Short and inspiring, the Fred Factor is a contrast to most succeed-in-business advice. Maybe that's because the goal isn't recognition or riches, but the deeper satisfaction of doing things right. The central idea of this book is that "what makes any act extraordinary is doing it with heart. What makes any life extraordinary is living it with love."
The book's title refers to Sanborn's mail carrier, Fred, who clearly exemplifies doing a job well and having "the com...more
The book's title refers to Sanborn's mail carrier, Fred, who clearly exemplifies doing a job well and having "the com...more
This book was recommended to me by someone I truly respect in the business world. The context was, "you are a FRED, you should read The Fred Factor." So, I grabbed a copy from my library and that same way that energy creates energy, I was super excited about the content of this book. It is not one of the fiction-story-cheesy books. Some really good tips and my favorite is the ending, but, WE WILL GET TO THAT! But first, quotes! The book has great quotes from other sources. *"All m...more
This book is like a stick of dynomite. It's small and packed full of power. It can be read very quickly which is good for a busy person with little time to read. I stopped reading several times to ponder how I might apply certain ideas to my every day life and just to make sure I did not gloss over anything important.
The concept of customer service, as described in this book, should be handled with care as it could explode on you. I write this because there is no mention of return ...more
The concept of customer service, as described in this book, should be handled with care as it could explode on you. I write this because there is no mention of return ...more
I know I've been reading a lot of this kind of book lately, but I really wasn't too impressed with this one. It seemed like a really long way of saying, "Go above and beyond." Add in a little bit about loving what you do and that's pretty much the book.
The writing was repetitive and his examples always felt slightly off for what he was describing. Also, he spent a lot of time--not describing the passion you're supposed to have or ways to go above and beyond--but telling how y...more
The writing was repetitive and his examples always felt slightly off for what he was describing. Also, he spent a lot of time--not describing the passion you're supposed to have or ways to go above and beyond--but telling how y...more
I underappreciated this book until I ran back through it really quickly after finishing it and actually took notes of the high points.
On my first pass it seemed like vague, public-speaker-propaganda...and yes, on my second pass it still had those qualities, but it also presented some very important (if occasionally intuitive and obvious) ideas on how to live life..both at work and not. Vague is still a big part of his game, but it's hard to give examples that would be relevant to ev...more
On my first pass it seemed like vague, public-speaker-propaganda...and yes, on my second pass it still had those qualities, but it also presented some very important (if occasionally intuitive and obvious) ideas on how to live life..both at work and not. Vague is still a big part of his game, but it's hard to give examples that would be relevant to ev...more
Overall, this book was meh. Yes, people should go above and beyond because life is short, but the book was a little hoaky/preachy for me. The author mentioned a fair number of 'Fred moments' that he himself did, yet said in the book that 'Fred's' don't brag about the nice things they do. Some of the stories seemed to be people taking advantage of others like a woman who got to see a movie for free because she forgot her wallet and someone took pity on her that worked at the theater. The stories...more
Jenn Moore
marked it as to-read
Do you have a copy I can borrow?
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A nice, quick, inspiring book about those folks in life that just seem to care a bit more. One would get a bit more out of this book if it were given a bit more time to marinate in the mind and practice the ideas one at a time. I, however, jump ram-rodded through it like nothing... but it was still quite enjoyable and uplifting.
We should all seek to really go about life not because we have to, but rather because we want to make today the best day yet. Seek to change the world every ...more
We should all seek to really go about life not because we have to, but rather because we want to make today the best day yet. Seek to change the world every ...more
In The Fred Factor, Sanborn tells the true story about an ordinary man in an ordinary job providing an exceptional model of leadership by keeping service of others his priority. Sanborn uses Fred the mail carrier as an inspiring example of how all of us, regardless of our environment, can find opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those we serve by going the extra mile. In this text, Sanborn not only describes what a “Fred” is, but also illustrates to his readers how they too can b...more
A short, easy read, I was impressed by the story of Fred the postman going above and beyond his job duties to take care of his customers, not because anyone was making him, but because he had a genuine love for what he did and those he served. This book outlines principles everyone to do to increase their own personal satisfaction and "Fred Factor" in their lives. The subtitle, "How passion in your wok and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary" really sums it up n...more
This was a nice inspirational guide to making the most of your job, regardless of how high of a rank you hold in the workplace. It steps you through how to make a difference in other people's lives through the work and service you provide others. It's about going above and beyond for other's and in turn this will serve to motivate you and engrain a sense of passion and pride in what you do. While the stories included are short, they aren't so short that the message gets muddled. It's an easy...more
Dani Butler
rated it
Recommends it for:
people who like self-help/inspirational books
Recommended to Dani by:
Mark Sanborn
Mr. Sanborn spoke at one of my company's meetings. We all received 'You Don't Need to Have a Title to be a Leader' (One of Sanborn's other books). He did mention this book in his speech and I thought the story of Fred the mailman was interesting/inspiring. Sanborn has quick and easy reading style and give some wonderful examples of the Fred Factor or amazing customer service and the importance to apply this to everyday life in the work place and outside of it. But there's the thing I dislike abo...more
I was asked to read the FF for work; it was part of a strategy to integrate professional development into our staff meetings. I understand why it was chosen: the book is short, positive, and has bulleted points. If you’re going to ask your staff to read something in their off-time, it’s a good idea to keep the required reading to a minimum.
Overall, I think most of the ideas in this book are good. How can I disagree with a man asking me to consider the needs of others, bring an upb...more
Overall, I think most of the ideas in this book are good. How can I disagree with a man asking me to consider the needs of others, bring an upb...more
This was suggested by a supervisor, so I ventured out from my usual genre to read it. It was inspiring in that, the main thesis (repeated over and over and OVER) is to get the most out of your life/job by making every second count, ever task your best effort. That's a good idea, really. And a good reminder, as an employee to try my best at even the most menial aspect of my job.
On the other hand, it encourages you to be a patsy. The "Fred" for whom the book is named, is a U....more
On the other hand, it encourages you to be a patsy. The "Fred" for whom the book is named, is a U....more
The Fred Factor is a great, light read for those wanting to bring more meaning to their lives – business & personal. The book uses the premise that if mailman Fred can turn the mundane service of delivering mail into a relationship that shows how this postman actually cares for others & loves his job, why can’t we all do this? As an individual, your focus (according to the author) should be on:
• Being relationship driven, not customer driven
• Creating greater value for mankind, not r...more
• Being relationship driven, not customer driven
• Creating greater value for mankind, not r...more
I picked this up because the College of Education, where I work, has started nominating a "Fred" every week, in order to recognize those individuals who exhibit the characteristics that Sanborn writes about. Much of this is common sense, and it amazes me that businesses and companies have to be told that these things are good and should be encouraged. There's nothing ground-breaking here, and Sanborn's writing style is typical "motivational speaker" fare.
Short, simply worded exhortation to do the best you can no matter what job you have.
Overall, I preferred The No Asshole Rule by Robert I. Sutton.
Some tips from The Fred Factor:
* Compete against mediocrity, not necessarily against others
* You can continually reinvent yourself and your work
* Humans have a passion for significance
* Do one extraordinary thing each day, at home or at work, seven days a week
Overall, I preferred The No Asshole Rule by Robert I. Sutton.
Some tips from The Fred Factor:
* Compete against mediocrity, not necessarily against others
* You can continually reinvent yourself and your work
* Humans have a passion for significance
* Do one extraordinary thing each day, at home or at work, seven days a week
Can you be a good person? Can you help others at every opportunity each day? Why should you? The answers to all those questions and others are deftly illustrated and exemplified in this quick read.
What begins with a story of a mailman who goes to any length to be sure the people on his route are happy blossoms into a set of guidelines, uplifting stories, and examples on how YOU can become a "Fred".
A little book with a big impact...
What begins with a story of a mailman who goes to any length to be sure the people on his route are happy blossoms into a set of guidelines, uplifting stories, and examples on how YOU can become a "Fred".
A little book with a big impact...
Really Dumb. The author wrote this book to hear himself speak. Unfortunately, he made money from it as well. He even quotes HIMSELF as an intro to the beginning of a chapter. If you want a good management book, in the 'really thin, hard cover, cheesey and inspirational in the business world' genre, read the 'one minute manager' or 'who moved my cheese'... those are both worth the 90 minutes it takes to read them
I had a male friend who was coincidentally a male carrier, same as Fred. He loved his job; he was always kind to his patrons, often going more than the extra mile. I asked him one day why he wasn't a missionary as he seemed to be filled with good will. He said, "Because my job is my missionary." He and Fred have much in common.
Good but no earth shattering advice. The author found a post man who bent over backward to serve his customers with extraordinary care. While an admirable story, Sanborn milked it for all it's worth. I would still recommend it as a reminder of the kind of customer service we all should deliver each and every day - it's a short read.
I had heard of this book from my boss. It's super easy reading and it's the greatest concept. We all may not have the most glamorous jobs, but it doesn't mean we can't find some joy in our jobs. And we can do that by finding extraordinary ways to accomplish our jobs that maybe others have thought have, but not dared to try.
This book was recommended to a team when I was working in business, and frankly I just have to say I think there are better books out there. I can't say this was bad, and for some people I think it really could be a great motivator. I've just read other books of this nature that held greater appeal for me personally.
The Fred Factor was a good read. The author does a great job of showing that personal commitment to oneself and others can make all the difference. What other people say and do will not always bring satisfaction and contentment, but our own personal efforts and decisions will bring us peace and joy.
The ordinary can become extraordinary. No matter your station in life, you can bring energy and creativity to your life and work...making a difference every day; becoming more successful by building strong relationships; and creating value for others without spending a penny;
AND how to reinvent yourself.
AND how to reinvent yourself.
Super postive book. A must read. It is quick and gets you through the boring days of work. Two thumbs up how it talks about everyday chores that become positive ways of helping yourself and others. I got a christen vibe on this. Most impressed with the advice of not to overdo the positive too.
"Be Nice at work" sums up the entire book. Only I dont know why the author went on to write another 108 pages about his relationship with with his mail man that has the essence of Silence of the Lamb. As far as "Fred" is concerned, I dont know if reading through your mail and hiding sht around your house is considered a service, it sounds more like a felony.
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Mark Sanborn is an international known author, motivational speaker, and the president of Sanborn & Associates, Inc., an idea studio for leadership development. He gives nearly one hundred presentations each year on leadership, team building, customer service, and mastering change. Mark and his family live near Denver, Colorado.
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