The Fred Factor: How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary

I've worked for Home Instead for 10 years and have tried to strive in my position as a Fred. This is the first time I have read this book and I would recommend it to anyone who works in healthcare as an encouragement and a reminder that the work you do in life is important and makes a huge difference in the lives of many.

Mark Sanborn’s The Fred Factor is one of the most inspiring books that I have read. In a world where people do not understand the value of others, Mark introduces us to Fred, a mailman who does his job with such extraordinary passion, integrity, and care that he transforms the lives of everyone he serves. Through Fred’s example, Mark reminds us that excellence is not about position or power, but about attitude and intentionality. This book shines because of its simplicity and depth. The lessons are practical, easy to understand, and immediately applicable to both personal and professional life. Sanborn makes it clear that you don’t need a fancy title, a big budget, or even special talents to make a lasting impact—you simply need the choice to treat every task as an opportunity to serve others with excellence. One of the most powerful takeaways is the idea that we all have the ability to make the “ordinary extraordinary.” Whether it’s through kindness, innovation, or simply going the extra mile, The Fred Factor challenges us to rethink how we approach our daily work and relationships. Mark's storytelling is engaging and uplifting, and the message resonates long after you finish reading. This isn’t just a business or leadership book—it’s a guide to living a life of purpose, generosity, and creativity. I have conducted leadership classes for high school students, college students, and adults. This is required reading for all programs. I highly recommend The Fred Factor to anyone who wants to be more intentional about how they live and lead. It’s the kind of book that can transform lives to motivate you to live a better life. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real difference in the world, this book is your answer.

The Fred Factor was given to me over 20 years ago and it has inspired me to be the best me I can! I share this book with all I meet and work with! Thanks to Mark Sanborn and especially Fred!

The Fred Factor offers an inspiring message about how passion and dedication can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. I enjoyed the book and found its central theme about going above and beyond in your work and life to be uplifting and motivating. While the message is powerful, I’ve read similar books that might rank higher in terms of depth and impact. That said, The Fred Factor is a classic read with excellent storytelling, making it an enjoyable and easy-to-follow journey. It's a great reminder that small acts of passion can create big results, and the way the author shares this lesson is truly engaging.

This is one of those very wise yet simple and encouraging books about how to serve others uncommonly well in an ordinary seeming job. Fred, and ordinary postal carrier doing an extraordinary job right here in Denver serves as the focus of this exceptional true parable. I give this book as a gift of encouragement anytime I have the priviledge of being served well, whether it is the bank teller downstairs who finally cleared up the error in my account after several others failed, the waitress with the warm smile every morning at the all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica, or the insurance claims person who solved the problem for one of my clients. The book has encouraged me as well as I strive to serve my clients better. It is worth reading again and again.

Excellent book on the possibilities and potential of each of us. And a wonderful reminder that we are all leaders. Glad we are treated to this 20th year anniversary edition.

I was in a restaurant one afternoon and being disabled, was waiting in a chair rather then standing in the line. That day, the Area General Manager, Ying, was there and I started talking to her. After I got my food, she was nice and carried it to a table and we talked a little more. As I have travelled through my days for the last 4 1/2 years, I hand out little business sized cards with funny pictures on them and inspirational sayings on the back. I have received many comments on these cards and I was handing them out that day. Talking to Ying, she said that I reminded her of some of the training they received from the Fred Factor. At this point I knew I had to read the book. After reading the initial chapter about Fred, I saw many similarities with Fred. I have worked at many jobs in my life and have always tried to provide the beat service I could within reason. I would stop by customers homes to complete needed paperwork, going into work on weekends because someone could not make it to the office during the week and dressing in uniform to help family members get their veteran father to go to a VA appointment, Fred like, just my usual way of working. If I had thought about it many years ago, I could have wrote a book like this one, but like Fred, he was only doing what he did to the best of his ability and more.

This book was an easy read. It has some very good principles to apply to making your career fulfilling without having to set on toes to move ahead. No matter "what" your career happens to be. I'd recommend this book to anyone going into the working world or even as a review for people who have "been there" for awhile. It will help others to not only be Freds but look for other Freds to collaborate with. I've passed my copy to all my family members.

investire nel capitale umano e nelle relazioni, forse non scontato in america ma in genere questo fa parte della cultura italiana. Offre buone idee e spunti. Molte idee sono utili per instaurare relazioni non solo di lavoro

Most useful book I've read. Simple guidelines on how to be successful and positive in everything you do from real people. Loved it.

You might have read many business/self-development books or lived a lots of experiences, but Fred's the postman story will certainly bring you something inspiring to anyone.

Very informative and helpful in both business and everyday life. Short and to the point which I like about this book

The book showed up on time and in new condition. I started reading the book and could not put it down until I finished reading the entire book cover to cover including the biography, etc. Very interesting book. Not a thick book. Read it in one day. Very useful information. The book was recommended reading from one of my university instructors. Thanks Melodie Brock