What Could Your Fred (Liz) Factor Moment Be?

Every so often, you come across a story that stops you in your tracks. One that reminds you what really matters in life and business.

For me, it was the story of Liz Monaghan, a nurse who created the Purple Rose Initiative. She saw how small, thoughtful acts of kindness could transform the end-of-life experience for patients and families. Liz didn’t do it for recognition, or reward, or to tick a box on a job description. She did it because it was the right thing to do.

That’s what I’d call a modern-day Fred Factor moment.

If you’ve read Mark Sanborn’s book The Fred Factor, you’ll know it’s based on the true story of a US postman who treated his daily postal round as more than a job. Fred went out of his way to deliver exceptional service, build trust, and connect with people. Not because he had to — but because he wanted to.

Both Fred and Liz remind us of something powerful:
👉 We all have the chance to go above and beyond.
👉 We all have moments where we can make someone’s day better.
👉 And often, it’s the small, unexpected gestures that leave the biggest mark.

So here’s my challenge for you:

• Where could you create your own Fred (or Liz) Factor moment?

• How could you bring that little bit of extra care, attention, or kindness into your work — and your life?

You don’t have to launch a major initiative. Sometimes it’s as simple as picking up the phone instead of sending an email, remembering a detail someone shared with you weeks ago, or doing something helpful without expecting anything back.

In business, those small moments add up. They build loyalty. They create stories that customers share long after they’ve forgotten the invoice. And in life, they’re the things people remember most about us.

The truth is, anybody can be a Fred. Or a Liz. The only question is — will you?

—
Mark Matthews