Sanborn - The Fred factor: how passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary

THE
FRED
FACTOR

How passion in your work and life can
turnthe ordinary into the extraordinary

MARKSANBORN

CURRENCY

DOUBLEDAY

NewYorkLondon Toronto Sydney Auckland

FOREWORD

Now and then youdiscover a book thats so inspiring you find yourself immediately makinga list of people you know who must have a copy!

That was myresponse upon reading The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn.

Thissmall, engaging book, based on a true story, delivers a potent motivationalmessage that will super-charge your attitude toward work and life. Letsface itif a guy named Fred, who has a less-than-glamorous job workingfor the U.S. Postal Service, can serve his customers with exceptional serviceand commitment, what opportunities await you and me to help others, and in theprocess achieve deeper personal satisfaction?

If I were to write out alist of individuals who would benefit from reading The Fred Factor,heres whom I would include:

My employees and businessassociatesfor they will learn the secret behind how to better servecustomers.

Professional acquaintances in managementpositionsfor they will be shown how to inspire an entire organization toseek unprecedented levels of excellence.

My familymembersfor they will discover the benefit of showing genuineappreciation to those they love.

Graduating studentsforthey will find extraordinary insights into achieving lifelong success nottaught in classrooms.

Finally, I would wish to place the book inthe hands of everyone I know who wants to turn the mundane moments of life intoextraordinary experiences.

There are four basic principles that definethe Fred Factor. I wont spoil your excitement of discoveryby sharing what they are here. But I promise that if you take MarkSanborns advice to heart and begin living a more Fred-likeexistence, you will never view yourself, your value to others, and yourimportance in the world in the same way again. And not only will you affectyour own sphere of influence for good, but you will gain the skills tohelp others become Freds as well.

Perhaps whatI like best about The Fred Factor is that this is not just anotherparable about how to make life work betteras valuable as those fictionalstories can be. What makes this book special is that Freds story istrue! And in addition to Freds own story, thebook introduces us to many other real people making a difference in the world,in environments as diverse as a doctors office, a restaurant, aclassroom, and a home.

I urge you to do something special for othersand yourselfincorporate the Fred Factorinto your life.

JOHN C.MAXWELL

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The real Fredthe PostmanFred Sheacontinues to be an inspiration to me. I thankhim for being the example of extraordinary service that he is and for allowingme to share his story.

The team at WaterBrook Press I count asfriends. Thanks to Don Pape for believing in this book and to Bruce Nygren forhis able assistance in editing.

So many friends in the NationalSpeakers Association have inspired, instructed, and encouraged me over theyears. Being a member of this fine organization has added tremendously to mypersonal life as well as my professional life. There are too many speaker-palsto mention by name, but you know who you are. Please also know that I amgrateful.

My wife, Darla, has been my biggest fan and encourager. Shehas proofread many manuscripts, listened to countless speeches, and supportedmy unusual road-warrior lifestyle. She has, as always, my undying love andgratitude.

And, finally, to the many individualssome whomIve met and others whom Ive only heard aboutwho live thespirit of the Fred Factor every day and make life fuller and richer forothersI tip my hat to all of you.

To my sons, Hunter andJackIm proud to be your dad.
To my wife,DarlaIm blessed to be your husband.

PART 1

WHATS A FRED?

One

THE FIRSTFRED

Make each day your masterpiece.

JOSHUA WOODEN, father of John Wooden

I first met a Fred just after purchasing what Icalled a new old house. Built in 1928, the house was the firstId owned and was located in a beautiful tree-lined area of Denver calledWashington Park. Just days after I moved in, I heard a knock on my front door.When I opened it I saw a mailman standing on my porch.

Goodmorning, Mr. Sanborn! he said cheerfully. My name is Fred, andIm your postal carrier. I just stopped by to introduce myselftowelcome you to the neighborhood and find out a little bit about you and whatyou do for a living.

Fred was an ordinary-looking fellow ofaverage height and build with a small mustache. While his physical appearancedidnt convey anything out of the ordinary, his sincerity and warmth werenoticeable immediately.

I was a bit startled. Like most of us, I hadbeen receiving mail for years, but I had never had this kind of personalencounter with my postal carrier. I was impressednice touch.

Im a professional speaker. I dont have a realjob, I replied jokingly.

If youre a professionalspeaker, you must travel a lot, said Fred.

Yes, I do. Itravel anywhere from 160 to 200 days a year.

Nodding, Fred wenton. Well, if youll just give me a copy of your schedule,Ill hold your mail and bundle it. Ill only deliver it on the daysthat you are at home to receive it.

I was amazed byFreds conscientious offer, but I told him that such extra effortprobably wasnt necessary. Why dont you just leave the mailin the box on the side of the house? I suggested. Ill pickit up when I come back into town.

Fred frowned and shook hishead. Mr. Sanborn, burglars often watch for mail building up in a box.That tells them youre out of town. You might become the victim of abreak-in. Fred was more worried about my mail than I was! But it madesense; he was the postal professional.

Heres what Isuggest, Mr. Sanborn, Fred continued. Ill put mail in yourbox as long as I can get it to close. That way nobody will know youregone. Whatever doesnt fit in the box, Ill put between the screendoor and the front door. Nobody will see it there. And if that area becomes toofull of mail, Ill just hold the rest of it for you until you come backinto town.