Fred Factor

Mr. Sanborn spoke at one of my company's meetings. We all received 'You Don't Need to Have a Title to be a Leader' (One of Sanborn's other books). He did mention this book in his speech and I thought the story of Fred the mailman was interesting/inspiring. Sanborn has quick and easy reading style and give some wonderful examples of the Fred Factor or amazing customer service and the importance to apply this to everyday life in the work place and outside of it. But there's the thing I dislike about Sanborn's books the message in both of them is "Settle for the job you have and be happy about it.' Don't get me wrong, I believe that people should take pride in their work and try to be the best at that position and if they hate they need to quit. But Sanborn doesn't seem to get further than 'be a good, happy employee for your managers.'

The main problem I have with help books is the fact they have such a wonderful idea and the never really tell you how to apply it... they give you little acrostics to remember and vague tips like 'Give value to other people' (which is kind of common sense in the customer service world right?) Sanborn harps about 'being a Fred' for the right reasons (because you want to make people feel valued and you want a relationship with them) and don't try to do it for the wrong reasons like recognition and rewards because it won't work. But here's the thing if wanting to give value to other people isn't innate feeling/trait in someone this book wouldn't inspire it out of them or even convenience them that this was worth the read. It was just mediocre at best.