Leadership consultant Mark Sanborn |
The author of “The Fred Factor,”
Mark Sanborn, opened the Evening
Session by stating that he truly relates
to how Palmer College features
philosophy throughout its curriculum,
noting that the root of philosophy—
“philos”—means “love of knowledge.”
“But what I also love about Palmer is
that you have the science that supports
all that you do,” he said.
Mr. Sanborn stressed that a continuing
desire to learn can help all of us to transform
the ordinary and make it extraordinary.
He illustrated this by highlighting
some of the conversations he’s had with
a postal carrier named Fred, whose passion
for his job is exceeded only by the
compassion he feels for his customers.
Mr. Sanborn recalled that within days
of moving into his first home, he was
welcomed to the neighborhood by Fred,
the man who inspired the bestseller
“The Fred Factor.”
“I can’t ever recall getting an introduction
from a postal carrier,” said Mr. Sanborn,
adding that Fred even offered to use the
speaker’s travel schedule to determine
which days to deliver his mail and which
days to save it. Fred’s concern was that Mr.
Sanborn’s mail would pile up and signal
to burglars that no one was at home.
“A professional is someone who cares
more about you than you do,” the author
said. “Fred, he’s the postal professional.”
Mr. Sanborn stressed that we can
acquire some of the skills of the
Freds of the world by following four
principles: make a real difference
every day, build strong relationships,
create value for others without
spending any additional money,
and constantly reinvent ourselves.
Mr. Sanborn closed by urging members
of the audience to gain a healthy
appreciation for their work. Said the
speaker, “I hope you love what you do.
If you do, then you’re already a Fred.”