Today’s topic can change your life and the life of those around you for the better. I am certain that you will find the motivation to become a Fred. You will meet Fred, learn the principles for a Fred-like existence and find your own way to apply them.
Freds Are Everywhere
Meet Vince. He is a conductor on the Northstar Commuter Train. Vince wears his uniform with pride and serves his customers with joy. He is as happy on a Monday morning as he is on a Friday afternoon. If you’re lucky, he will sing Happy Birthday to you on the PA system on the train and make sure everyone around you knows it’s your special day. He holds a “guess the passenger head-count” game and winners are treated to a roll of Smarties to sweeten your ride. He provides exceptional service and great entertainment to weary commuters at the end of their work day. He is a great example of what it is to be a Fred.
Meet Fred. He is the star of a book called The Fred Factor. He is a postal carrier in Denver, Colorado. He has turned what could be a monotonous job into an opportunity for daily, extraordinary acts of service.
Meet Mark Sanborn. He was Fred’s customer for 10 years. He is also a speaker, author and thought leader on leadership skill training who helps individuals and organizations turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. He wrote the book titled The Fred Factor and Fred 2.0, among others. He was so impressed by Fred’s extraordinary customer service that he started sharing with his audience what would later become the content for The Fred Factor.
Fred’s influence is so great on the people he serves, that his customers have become his family. One time, a single mom was defeated by her own mother’s criticism of her parenting style. She confided in Fred when he delivered her mail and all he got from him was affirmation on the great job she was doing raising her daughter.
Do you have such a relationship with your postal carrier?
The Fred Principles
The Fred Factor’s principles are simple and yet powerful. I will now teach them to you so you can apply them in your own life
Everyone can make a difference. You don’t need a position of influence to influence others from your position.
Fred doesn’t have a big title, a corner office or a large paycheck. He does what he does because it’s the right thing to do. Have you ever done something for someone without expecting recognition or praise? You are already on your way to be a Fred!
Success is built on relationships. A Fred’s encounters are not transactional, not relational. People like Fred recognize the importance of connecting personally with those around them. How do you connect with those around you?
Create value without spending a penny. Find creative ways to add value to peoples’ lives. Use your personality power, pay attention to detail, add enthusiasm, joy our laughter. It doesn’t cost a cent! Eliminate defects, waiting, waste or frustration from people’s lives. Have you had this experience? See, you’re a Fred and you didn’t even know
Reinvent yourself regularly. Grow yourself, improve yourself, read, learn, stretch and challenge yourself.
Practice the one-a-day plan. One kind word, one act of service, one unexpected act of kindness, and you’ll be more Fred-like every day.
A Call to Action
I’ve met many Freds in my life, like Vince, the train conductor. His attitude has inspired me to look opportunities to be a Fred. One time on the train, a lady had asked directions on how to head to the airport from Target Field station. I told her to follow the crowd up the escalator. She followed the crowd, alright…over to the transit center. She would have been lost and missed her flight. I ran to catch up with her and got her back on track (pun intended). Her smile made my day.
Well, I have great news for you. I am part of the launch team for Mark Sanborn’s new book Fred 2.0, available in stores now. Here’s some great information on it:
Fred 2.0: New Ideas on How to Keep Delivering Extraordinary Results
Today, more than ever, delivering extraordinary results is critically important to not only obtain a competitive advantage but also to thrive personally and professionally. With Fred 2.0, Mark Sanborn equips us with new ideas to achieve more. You’ll not only be inspired by Fred 2.0, you’ll also have the tools and strategies to aim higher and achieve the extraordinary yourself, for your organization, your team and those around you. It’s time to transform the ordinary into extraordinary and Fred 2.0 will show you how.
SPECIAL OFFER: Visit www.marksanborn.com/fred2 now to learn more and gain instant access to a Fred 2.0 “EXTRAordinary Results” Resource Kit, free with purchase of Fred 2.0.
Please Like, Share or Tweet and don’t forget to thank a Fred today!
Lily Kreitinger 