The Fred Factor - How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary Description:

The Fred Factor : How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary review:
5 stars (great tool for team and conference) - I thought this book was extremely helpful with ideas on how to improve service and thereby improve business


5 stars (The Fred Factor) - We purchased "The Fred Factor" to use as part of an all day retreat in our department. During the earlier part of the day, we discussed the previous fiscal year results, our plans for the current year and then used questions on the book for discussion of what it would be like to be a "Fred" and work and live with people like him. All were requested to read the book before the day, and so it proved a helpful backdrop to the focus of our day. Our groups had some interesting perspectives...great tool for team building!
5 stars (Nice review of the value of going the extra mail) -

This short book focuses on a mailman Mark Sanborn met, a man named Fred. When the author first met Fred, Fred took an effort to get to know his new customer, and find ways to do a better job as a mailman. This book about the value of doing a better job, how to build relationships, and why we should take initiative. In short by going the extra mile we'll have a better life, and others will benefit.



It is a good book, and a short book. It is well written. The book is entertaining and at the same time makes many good points.



The first of four sections covers how the author met Fred the mailman, and how very quickly the author realized that Fred was a superstar mail carrier. The basics of what a "Fred" is are explored, and then the author mentions sightings of other "Freds."



The second section explains how you can become a Fred. Basically you need to build relationships with others so you know them well enough to then be able to be create, take initiative and make a difference.



The third section gives pointers on how you can help others grow into being Freds. The basic steps are to:



1) Find - how do you recognize a Fred

2) Reward - how should Freds be rewarded

3) Educate - how help people improve their Fredness

4) Demonstrate - model the correct behavior



The final section recounts the value and importance of being a Fred.



This is a book worth reading. It provides a good reminder and motivation to go the extra mile and do a better job.