The Fred Factor, in its simplest form, is the ability tocontinually create new value for those you work, serve, and live with throughcompassion, selflessness, inspiration, positivity, honesty, passion, anddedication.
Though the messages in this book arenot new, the idea that we should pride ourselves to be more generous and determinedin the daily conduct of our lives is tried and true. Applying”Fred-like” behaviors would be beneficial to any organization ofprofessionals who may be looking to reenergize its workforce by identifying essential characteristics, attributes, andpositive contributions in its employees. It isour duty as a profession of Arms to apply these principles and take theinitiative to inspire and engage the soldiers and civilians in ourorganizations to achieve significantly higher levels of organizationaleffectiveness.Mr.Sanborn asserts that each one of us makes the conscious decision daily on what typeof day it is going to be. Moreover, he persists that we determine our worksituation, satisfaction, and ultimate success regardless of the position wehold.
He further explains what it means to be a “Fred” and how to cultivateothers into Fred’s or teams of Fred’s.Mr. Sanborn then recounts other instances encountering “Fred-like” behavior.
· Youcan reinvent yourself everyday· Youmust continually create value for others, and it doesn’t have to cost a penny· Everything,including success, is built on relationships· Everyonemakes a differenceMr. Sanborn is able to capture some key attitudes and behaviors fromFred’s exceptional example that are the foundation of consistent, positivecustomer service. Mr. Sanborn doesn’t just address how one performs, but ratherfocuses on why one performs. Throughout his book, Mr.Sanborn describes four principles of what constitutes and makes you a “Fred”: The Fred Factoris an energizing book written by distinguished author and professionalmotivational speaker, Mark Sanborn.
Though Mr.Sanborn is considered an authoritative source for leadership, team building,customer service and mastering change in people and organizations, the bookitself is meant to be a guide for those seeking inspiration to be extraordinary.In The Fred Factor, Mr.Sanborn successfully utilizes anecdotal information and relates it further toreal life situations. At the beginning of the book, Mr.
Sanborn asks us tocritically think about four key questions: “Do you move your organizationcloser to or further from its goals? Do you perform your work in an ordinaryway, or do you execute it superbly? Do you lighten someone’s burden or addto it? Do you lift someone up or put someone down?” After allowing the readerto have a brief self-evaluation period, Mr. Sanborn recountsthe true story of “Fred” the mail carrier who demonstrates daily “how passion in yourwork and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.” Fred goes above and beyond his job requirements to ensure hiscustomers are receiving stellar service.
WithFred in mind, Mr. Sanborn discusses more than excellence, he talks about people BEINGexceptional, thinking exceptionally, and practicing the lifestyle.