What is Anthropomaximology?

Anthropomaximology is a term for something that has been done for many years – the study of how to maximize human performance. The research showed a two-part process to maximize performance. The Russians discovered it and continually beat their competitors in the Olympics.

The first part is being observed by a kinesiologist then trained and coached to strengthen and prepare the human body to compete at its best. One must have the discipline to practice, practice, practice and keep practicing the SKILLS. The same is true in Leadership, Integrity Selling, Operations, Quality, Customer Service, or any endeavor we choose to pursue. WE are responsible for continuously learning, collaborating, and being a commitment to be our best.

The second part is the key to winning…MINDSET! Athletes are taught a deep visualization process to see themselves performing at their best and winning. The process takes you to your subconscious mind away from all the clutter and outer influences of your conscious mind. Dr. Maxwell Maltz, the creator of Psycho-Cybernetics, did years of research in personal effectiveness. He put it in simple language – ‘What you see is what you get!” The subconscious mind takes in and puts out what you deliver to it.

Victor Frankel (Logo Therapist) shared his observations about PURPOSE and MINDSET with us in his book ‘Mans Search For Meaning’. He revealed how he and others survived the inexplicable, torturous, inhuman circumstances in concentration camps during World War II. The following quote from Nietzsche captured the depth of mans’ ability to endure: “When a man has a why, he can endure almost any how”. He noted that the survivors were people who had something to look forward to, something meaningful they had to do or someone they were determined to be with again. I will never forget what he said standing naked before the Germans after witnessing the death of family members. He said, “They can take everything from me, but they can’t take HOW I THINK!”

But, here’s where it gets interesting:

The International Federation of Sports Kinesiology defines Anthropomaximology as “the science of investigating the reserve potential of the healthy employee and the way to realize such potential under maximum effort.

An Anthropomaximologist is someone who helps others become the best they can be. Isn’t that what effective management and leadership are all about – realizing the potential of employees under maximum effort? Helping people become the best they can be?

Following is a list of attributes and ways of being that we accumulated from a large group of employees before we presented the first Anthropomaximologist Leadership training to over 400 participants:

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: Honest – Treats People Fairly – Sets A Good Example – Kind – Helpful – Patient – A Good Listener
HOW THEY SUPPORT OTHERS: Appreciate – Inspire – Honor – Respect – Encourage – Recognize – Train – Coach – Mentor – Re-Charge others

As I look back, every dot along the way represents the rules of success I have lived and learned from great leaders, coaches, and top performers. SKILLS AND MINDSET …. The SCIENCE OF PEAK PERFORMANCE is all about a deep desire, how we connect with others, help others get where they want to be, staying focused and disciplined, train and create experiences for people, find our purpose and passion, stay open to possibilities, do something that makes a difference, and more.

Anthropomaximologist?!!!

My Journey to being awarded the title of ANTHROPOMAXIMOLOGIST

Every phase of our lives, everything we get to do helps us become the best version of ourselves. Every risk, every surprise encounter makes the journey a joy.

I have heard comments from leaders in business, athletes, coaches, educators, authors (just about every endeavor) about how their childhood impacted their lives.

The journey to being awarded the title of Anthropomaximologist included my childhood adventures, becoming a determined athlete, team player, educator, volunteer of great causes, leader, recognition and engagement specialist, top salesperson, customer service star, keynote speaker, trainer, activator, and student for life.

How I got the title of Anthropomaximologist

I was making a presentation at a local NEF agency and did not know that one of the V.P.’s from corporate was in the audience. He came up to me after the meeting and invited me to create a program as the closing speaker of their next Career School in Boston.

I literally made up the program based upon all my lifetime of experiences, knowledge, and passion.

Over more than a 20 year period of creating and conducting that tailor-made training program to help agents succeed at NEF, I repeatedly, year after year received the best-surveyed feedback of any of the speakers that addressed the group. The director of schools said it was the EXPERIENCE with Fern that impacted the success of thousands of professional agents.

After almost 20 years of delivering that program, one of the VP’s took me to lunch for my birthday and gave me the word ANTHROPOMAXIMOLOGIST as my gift. He said, “You’ve been doing this for 20 years and did not even know it”!

My Journey

My journey began as a small child waving hello to people from the window of my first- floor apartment on Estes Avenue in Chicago. I loved seeing people smile up at me as they were on their way to work. My journey continued as I practiced, practiced, practiced until I could be one of the first chosen by the boys to play softball, football or pinners –took my lemonade stand to the ballpark where people were thirsty – ran the soda fountain and cigar counter at the corner drug store (called people by name when they entered and knew the favorite brands of regular customers) –used my passion and athletic skills to win a spot on our high school cheerleading team, played on the University of Illinois volleyball team- became a leader in school and in the community for things that made a difference (Make A Wish Foundation – HUNGER – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – RACISM –Food Safety Dates – INSPIRING KIDS TO READ+LEAD)- playing amazing roles in theater, being loved as an educator in the CPS (first bi-lingual teacher in the Gateway community AND working for a passionate forward-thinking principal, Barbara Sizemore at Anton Dvorak school).

Learn More About fern’s Journey

The GAME is never over!

Great LEADERS, ATHLETES, and HUMANS BEING inspired me throughout my life.

One of my favorite examples of what’s possible is Mugsie Bogues (the shortest man ever to play professional basketball – 5’3”). He is an example of what’s possible when you develop the SKILLS – use your strengths on the floor – SEE IT- BELIEVE IT – LOVE IT and have a DEEP DESIRE TO PLAY THE GAME BIG!!!! Anything is possible with that BIG “D”.

Look at the photo of Mugsie and Manute Bols. What are the odds of someone 5’3” playing professional basketball?

“May your journey be filled with joy and deep satisfaction
For who you are and what you stand for.”