Doing The Chores

07/18/2025

“Ok Boomer.”
We’ve all heard it — even if we don’t have kids.

Here’s the thing: One of the biggest myths out there is that generations are fundamentally different. Sure, it sounds cool to say, “I’m Gen X” or “That’s such a Millennial thing,” but guess what? Those generational labels aren’t backed by science.

What is backed by science?
The Reiss Motivation Profile — a tool that actually helps you understand what drives you on a deep, personal level.

Turns out, we’re more alike than we think — we just want different intensities of the same basic motivational desire.

Want to find out what motivates you (and how to use that knowledge to improve relationships at home or at work)? Check out 👉 https://doingthechores.com/rmp-coaching for a personalized coaching session filled with insights based on your Riess Motivational Profile.

In the meantime, check out this article debunking generational myths. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7471586/

Talk about generations is everywhere and particularly so in organizational science and practice. Recognizing and exploring the ubiquity of generations is important, especially because evidence for their existence is, at best, scant. In this article, ...

07/18/2025

Many of us have taken various personality profiles at work or in school, and I’m often asked which one is the best. I used to always respond, “It depends on what you're hoping to get out of it.”

In my 20-plus years of working in talent development, I can honestly say that no other personality or motivation assessment—including Myers-Briggs, CliftonStrengths, or Keirsey—has been as personally insightful as the Reiss Motivation Profile.

If you're curious about how it compares, here's a great article contrasting the CliftonStrengths assessment with the Reiss Motivation Profile.

To learn more, visit www.doingthechores.com

https://blog.reissmotivationprofile.com/comparing-the-rmp-and-the-clifton-strengths

07/16/2025

Ohio: “Firewood.”
Pennsylvania: “Farwood.”

I snapped the Pennsylvania sign just outside of Pittsburgh when I lived there a few years ago, and the Ohio one recently in Pioneer.

Different accents, same mission: selling wood so we can all enjoy a summer campfire together.

A simple leadership principle: We are more alike than we are different.

Learn how we are all motivated by the same 16 desires and complete your Reiss Motivational Profile with me to improve your relationships at home and work.

Learn more at https://doingthechores.com/rmp-coaching

07/15/2025

If you've read my book Doing The Chores, you’ve probably heard me talk about the Marsh Farm. Well, that same farm is now owned by Gary Crider. Believe it or not, he makes maple syrup way back in the same woods where my dad, sister, brother and I used to go mushroom hunting!

Gary’s got a great video where he shares how he makes his syrup and it's worth a watch. Now I think I need to go buy a bottle (or three) Oh, I think he also makes honey too!

Check out the YouTube video and enjoy a sweet taste of nostalgia! 🍁👨‍🌾

It's off to Pioneer, OH as the crew learns the process of making maple syrup with Gary Crider.Season 5, Episode 1, Segment 1. Premiered 7/25/24.

07/08/2025

In the U.S. last year, companies spent $2.6 billion on training according to ATD's annual training report. Most of that went to managers and leadership programs. But isn’t it funny how many people still feel they don’t have better leaders and/or managers after such a huge investment?

This is partly because of leader-centric thinking and the habit of treating “manager” and “leader” as synonymous. They might have been in the 1980s, but not in the 2020s. Training and Development is changing.

If you want your organization to get ahead, you need to focus on creating more collaborators. That means understanding the 21st-century definition of leadership—and embracing the practice of smart followership.

Unfortunately, many won’t, because they’re stuck in outdated ideas like the “Great Man Theory,” which imagines a heroic leader riding in on a white horse to save the day. But in reality, it’s the people working hard and doing the chores who truly save the day—the collaborators and contributors we all depend on.

Learn more about Talent Development 2.0 by checking out my blog: https://doingthechores.com/blog/f/farm-inspired-insights-for-a-holistic-talent-development-strategy

06/29/2025

Another example of the outdated talent development approach is its focus on leader-centric thinking.

Creating platitudes about “leader” vs. “manager” makes no business sense. Both are essential roles, but are very different. The biggest difference being that a manager has formal authority granted by the organization, while a leader does not necessarily need authority to persuade and influence others.

Anyone can be a leader. Leader and manager are not synonymous in the post-industrial era.

For a better understanding of the future of talent development, visit www.doingthechores.com and read my blog on holistic talent development.

06/28/2025

Check out my next to discover what truly motivates us. Then learn more about the Reiss Motivation Profile® and how it can help you unlock your potential — just click the link! https://doingthechores.com/rmp-coaching

06/15/2025

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers — those still with us, those we’ve lost, those who longed to be fathers but never had the chance, and those who still hope to be.

I’m sure I’m not alone in saying I’m grateful for the dads and grandads who demonstrated quiet strength, humility, and character — traits worth learning, following, and applying in our own lives.

This picture is of my grandpa, Virgil Franz. And yes... that's my brother and me.

www.doingthechores.com