The Fred Factor
By: Mark Sanborn
The Fred Factor tells the story of a mailman named “Fred” who transcends the status quo by incorporating passion and excellence into his job. He transforms what some may view as an ordinary job into an extraordinary job. Mark Sandburg explores how anyone can achieve this excellence and why we should do it.
Everyone makes a difference no matter what position they occupy in a company. That is the very first lesson that Sanborn talks about, and I believe that it’s important to embody because if you view yourself as JUST a mailman or JUST a water boy or JUST a cashier, you will perform JUST like the many who view themselves as unimportant and are dissatisfied with their positions.
Sandburg’s second principle is, “Success is built on relationships.” In any position, we are providing a good or service to people. The human beings we serve can’t be forgotten or mistreated. It is imperative to understand their needs and preferences and create a friendly relationship. Sanborn has seven useful tips for building relationships.
1. Be real- Don't act as something you're not. You will build trust this way.
2. Be interested- “People are flattered when you express an interest in getting to know them better.”
3. Be a better listener
4. Be empathetic
5. Be honest
6. Be helpful
7. Be prompt
Why does Fred the mailman perform the way he does?
He does it because it feels good- Doing good work is something you can be proud of. Cutting corners and not satisfying people simply is not something to be proud of.
He makes friends- The more friends the better!
Making others smile is the greatest reward- Smiles are contagious.
He is trying to make the best of each day- Our time is finite. This brings me to the quote by Steve Jobs at the top of my blog. It is a quote that should be examined every day. “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”