"Where others might see delivering mail as monotonous drudgery, Fred sees an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those he serves." -Sanborn
The criticism of the United States Postal Service got me thinking about my favorite book by Mark Sanborn "The Fred Factor: How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary".
Named after Sanborn's mail carrier "Fred", the Fred factor highlights the ways that we can all be extraordinary and go the extra mile for each other. Fred, would do more than deliver mail for people on his route. He would take it upon himself learn their names, and treat them as family. Upon learning that Sanborn was a motivational speaker who travels often for long periods of time, the author recalled how Fred offered to watch over the house and hold onto any mail/packages that came while traveling to ensure his home would not appear as a target.
There's a higher likelihood that you have encountered a 'Fred' than not. This is my favorite book to gift to those who have mentored me along my journey. With that being said, being a 'Fred' is not exclusive. Anyone with a willingness to do better has the affinity. Ask yourself these questions:
What opportunities do you take throughout your day to make a difference?
How are you building relationships?
How do you create value in situation that appear hopeless on the surface?
If someone came to mind when answering these question: TELL THEM YOU APPRECIATE THEM! Call them, text them, e-mail them, just communicate your appreciation for all that they do.
To order a paperback copy of 'The Fred Factor' click here.
If e-books/Kindles are more your preference click here
-Christie