The Fred Factor: How passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary

In 2007, I had an organization that was struggling. As a HR professional, the company asked if I would conduct leadership training for the site. The class was small at only 4 participants so I was able to give them my full attention. As part of the curriculum, I included Mark Sanborn's book, The Fred Factor.

One of the participants was really enthused about the book. Weeks and months after the class, he would approach me during my visits to point our "Fred" related things that he had accomplished. Indeed, he bought the book for all of his managers and they formed a loosely knit "Fred" club.

My review and recommendations for this book boils down to this. Of the 4 participants, only one remains. That is the, as I call him, "Fred Head". Not only is he still gainfully employed, he was been promoted not once but twice!

I highly recommend this book. Michael L. Gooch, SPHR Author of
Wingtips with Spurs

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.

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.

If you're like me you found "Who moved the cheese?" to be condescending and insulting. Not only does "Who moved the cheese?" not answer question that book's key message seems to be to be a good little mouse, don't ask questions and put on the running shoes. "The Fred Factor" could not be more different!

With a seemingly simple message of being yourself while being the best "you" you can be, "the Fred Factor" motivates and works! I can tell you first-hand that putting its premises to work in your life makes work more fun, gets noticed and has rewards both spiritual and financial.

One great thing about the Fred Factor is it's all about you. Books like the Fish series mention both personal and organizational change as part of their prescription for success, but "the Fred Factor" is focused on you and just you. It's your choices, your career and your life and whether or not the organization around you changes isn't the point.

If you want to know how empowering that is and what a great feeling it is to pursue your goals this way, I'd suggest you buy this audiobook. I can tell you first hand it's making a difference in my life.

By the way, unlike "Who moved the cheese" the Fish series is really good as well and in my opinion runs a close second to the Fred Factor.

Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve ResultsFish! Sticks: A Remarkable Way to Adapt to Changing Times and Keep Your Work Fresh

Great book- I read it awhile back and should probably reread it. Its short and easy to read with a clear message.