The Fred Factor

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

By: Mark Sanborn

Narrated by: Mark Sanborn

Seize the chance to be extraordinary.

Who has made the biggest difference in your life? Whose words and actions have uplifted and motivated you to excel? Chances are it was someone like Fred the Postman -- so outstanding in his service that Mark Sanborn realized this mail carrier could be an example for any person wanting to be extraordinary.

The “Fred Factor” is summarized by four principles that will release fresh energy, enthusiasm, and creativity in your career and life:

• Make a Difference
• Build Relationships
• Create Value
• Reinvent Yourself

You, too, can apply The Fred Factor to enrich the lives of customers, co-workers, friends, and family members, as well as reach new levels of personal success yourself. Sanborn also shows how to discover and develop other Freds.

Why not become a “Fred” yourself? You will turn the ordinary moments of life into extraordinary opportunities to make a difference in the world.©2004 Mark Sanborn; (P)2006 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

“This beloved business classic has inspired millions of people over the years, and today Mark Sanborn’s transformative insights are more timely and necessary than ever, with employees increasingly hungry for ways to find meaning in the mundane and power in their purpose.”—Jon Gordon, author of The Energy Bus and co-author of The Coffee Bean

“High Point University lives and breathes the idea of ‘Choose to be extraordinary.’ The Fred Factor, a modern classic, is the seminal book on how to do that. And Sanborn’s expertise in extraordinary leadership is one of the reasons we asked him to serve as the university’s Leadership Expert in Residence.”—Nido R. Qubein, president of High Point University

“I promise that if you take Mark Sanborn’s advice to heart and begin a more Fred-like existence, you will never view yourself the same way again.”—John C. Maxwell, author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

“The story of Fred inspired our team to look at how we can make every interaction with our fans unforgettable. You don’t have to be in the C-suite to make a difference. Fred shows us that the smallest things can make a big difference and provide tremendous value.”—Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the Savannah Bananas

“Celebrating its twentieth anniversary, The Fred Factor remains an indispensable guide to transforming ordinary into extraordinary with its timeless wisdom. Mark Sanborn’s compelling story of his mailman who turns drudgery into a calling is more relevant today than ever before.”—Skip Prichard, president and CEO of OCLC and author of The Book of Mistakes

The Fred Factor

This is a simple message that should be heeded by all. A great study for an organization or a team within the organization. Enjoy it. I did

Real good read!

Loved this book, highly recommend! Very inspiring! Instantly put a little pep in my step!

Great Book!

Anyone can be a Fred!! What a great, interesting, easy-to-read (or listen to) book!!

What we all should strive for

The Fred Factor is on my must read list. This book provides insightful knowledge of customer service based on the simple Fred character. The story is basic but the thought that centers on each of the key points of the book are extremely deep. I enjoyed listening to this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who has to help motivating teams to “take care of the customer”.

Great message!

A great book with a great message! Inspiration to make the world a better place, loved it!