The Fred Factor
The Fred Factor
Mark Sanborn
Published in 2004 by Doubleday
Chad Keen Quest for Career and Vocation
Dr. Rob Littleton
March 29, 2012
Fred, the mail carrier who passionately loves his job and who genuinely cares about the people he serves, is constantly going the extra mile handling the mail and sometimes watching over the houses of the people on his route, treating everyone he meets as a friend. Where others might see delivering mail as monotonous drudgery, Fred sees an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those he serves. We 've all encountered people like Fred in our lives. The author, through stories about Fred and others like him, reveals the four basic principles that will help us bring fresh energy and creativity to our life and work. The first principle is everyone makes a difference. It doesn’t matter how large an organization is, an individual can still make a difference. Nobody can prevent you from being exceptional. (Sanborn, 2004) I’m reminded of an individual who I hired while he was still in high school. At the age of sixteen, Randy was one of the hardest working people in our manufacturing plant. His initial job was sweeping floors within the sewing department of the facility. He was happy to be there and glad to have a job. Working in one of the lowest level jobs within the organization gave pride and meaning to this young man. His hard work and positive attitude eventually took his position to department head of our knitting operation. We see this same frame of mind with Fred the Postman. By making a positive difference in the lives of others, individuals like Fred and Randy are what every co-worker or customer enjoys. Setting a higher standard is more challenging than simply achieving the status quo. Withstanding the criticism of those who are threatened by your achievement depends not on your title, but on your attitude. (Sanborn, 2004) The second
Mark Sanborn
Published in 2004 by Doubleday
Chad Keen Quest for Career and Vocation
Dr. Rob Littleton
March 29, 2012
Fred, the mail carrier who passionately loves his job and who genuinely cares about the people he serves, is constantly going the extra mile handling the mail and sometimes watching over the houses of the people on his route, treating everyone he meets as a friend. Where others might see delivering mail as monotonous drudgery, Fred sees an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those he serves. We 've all encountered people like Fred in our lives. The author, through stories about Fred and others like him, reveals the four basic principles that will help us bring fresh energy and creativity to our life and work. The first principle is everyone makes a difference. It doesn’t matter how large an organization is, an individual can still make a difference. Nobody can prevent you from being exceptional. (Sanborn, 2004) I’m reminded of an individual who I hired while he was still in high school. At the age of sixteen, Randy was one of the hardest working people in our manufacturing plant. His initial job was sweeping floors within the sewing department of the facility. He was happy to be there and glad to have a job. Working in one of the lowest level jobs within the organization gave pride and meaning to this young man. His hard work and positive attitude eventually took his position to department head of our knitting operation. We see this same frame of mind with Fred the Postman. By making a positive difference in the lives of others, individuals like Fred and Randy are what every co-worker or customer enjoys. Setting a higher standard is more challenging than simply achieving the status quo. Withstanding the criticism of those who are threatened by your achievement depends not on your title, but on your attitude. (Sanborn, 2004) The second
References: Sanborn, M. (2004). Fred Factor. Doubleday.