If you have been following me for a while, you probably know that I transitioned from a 30 year career in Construction to become a coach, speaker, trainer and author focused on Communication, Growth and Leadership.

Part of the reason I chose this change was because I want to create a legacy that will be remembered and I want to make a difference “that makes a difference.”  One way to do that is to be a FRED.

My wife and I recently took a trip to Oahu to visit our oldest son Scott, who will be graduating from the University of Hawaii in December.  On the flight over I read Mark Sanborn’s “The Fred Factor” and on the return flight finished the sequel, “Fred 2.0.”

This is the final of three posts on Fred 2.0.  For those looking to read Fred 2.0, I would suggest reading the original first.  You really need to know the story behind Fred to appreciate what Sanborn delivers in 2.0.

Sanborn gives a pretty good summary of the book with the subtitle, “New Ideas On How To Keep Delivering Extraordinary Results.”

In a nutshell, the original Fred was Sanborn’s postman, and Fred went over and above to be more than just ordinary.  Fred’s commitment to “going the extra mile,” was Sanborn’s inspiration for the first book.

In 2.0, Sanborn takes a deeper look at the four basic Fred principles:

1. Everybody makes a difference.
2. It is all built on relationship.
3. You can add value to everything you do.
4. You can reinvent yourself continually.

Through these three posts, I will give a key thought from each of the books’ 15 chapters.

WHAT IT YOU’RE A HEAD FRED?

Sanborn asks a great question when he says; “The real test of leadership is this: is anyone or anything better because of you?”  He adds; “Leaders don’t just tell a better story; they make the story better.”  He gives 10 things you need to do to be a head Fred.

1. Lead by example
2. Start with what’s right instead of what’s wrong
3. Encourage people to try
4. Ask for and share ideas about how to be like Fred
5. Remove barriers and obstacles
6. Be their champion
7. Give them the freedom they need
8. Teach the Fred principles consistently
9. Recognize and reward
10. Enjoy

BUILD A FRED TEAM

Sanborn makes a great point when he says “The only thing more powerful than a committed individual is a team of committed individuals.”  Can you imagine what it would be like if your entire team had an attitude like Fred?  He goes on to give four things that every team needs. Interesting to me that he points out that these four things don’t necessarily have to come from the team leader.

1. Encouragement
2. Examples
3. Ideas
4. Recognition

RAISE A FRED JR.

As leaders, there is nothing more important than the influence we have on our children. Sanborn gives us what he refers to as “Fred Values.”

1. Teach your children well
2. Don’t stop with your own children
3. It always starts with a relationship
4. Reward reading
5. Start a conversation
6. Explain and engage
7. Don’t dumb it down, but keep it simple
8. Recognize any effort

CREATE A COMMUNITY OF FREDS

As leaders, we desire to leave a legacy and influential leaders work hard to create a legacy that actually means something and impacts the community they live in.  Sanborn encourages us to “Spread the spirit of Fred.”

1. Take the lead
2. Identify the objectives
3. Find like-minded people
4. Create interest
5. Involve as many people as you can
6. Regularly recognize and reward at a community level

BEST ALWAYS

Clearly the idea of Fred is to go over and above and to do it consistently.  No better way to wrap up this book then to suggest the idea that we strive to provide our best always. Sanborn gives us his thoughts on how to do that.

1. Slow down
2. Get out
3. Pay attention
4. Do something
5. Enjoy life
6. Get better

I had the wonderful opportunity to be on a phone call earlier this week with Mark Sanborn and it was clear that he has become a product of his product.  His desire to add value to his community is extremely evident, not just in his writing but in many things he is currently working on.  He suggests three simple, yet powerful kinds of love that will allow you to do and be your best.

• LOVE WHAT YOU DO
• LOVE THE PEOPLE YOU SERVE WITH
• LOVE THE PEOPLE YOU SERVE

My question for the day, actually three questions; “Put the words “DO YOU” in front of the three statements above.  How would you answer those questions?”  If you don’t like the answers, you might just need some more FRED in your life!

• Click here to read Part 1 of Fred 2.0
• Click here to read Part 2 of Fred 2.0

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Barry Smith    5/22/13   photo courtesy of michaelhyatt.com    © Building What Matters 2013