DTC Academy

10/07/2026

In a world obsessed with the leader.

Be a collaborator!

After all... 21st-century leadership is collaboration in action.

10/01/2026

Most disagreements aren’t about the destination.

They’re about the route we want to take to get there.

For example, most people want a safe and productive work environment. We can agree on that.

The disagreement usually comes from how we think that environment should be created and sustained.

That’s where collaboration matters.

Check out my next Chore Chat to learn how two important elements of collaboration, cooperation and contribution, can help us work through disagreements and move toward shared goals.

Want to learn more? Check out my Udemy course, Get Recognized at Work and Grow Your Career.

09/26/2026

Being a leader is not just for management.

Being a follower is not just for a contributor.

But being a collaborator is for both!

Learn more in my next blog on .

https://doingthechoresacademy.substack.com/p/stop-labeling-everything-leadership?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=48gwsg

09/23/2026

Today is a good day to learn something new, no matter your age.

My grandma learned how to swim at age 80 simply because she wanted to.

I share that story in my book, Doing The Chores, because it is a great reminder that growth does not have an expiration date.

What do you hope to do in your next chapter?

09/22/2026

Want to learn how design thinking can help you get ahead at work?

Not every performance problem is a people problem. Sometimes the work environment, process, or system needs to change.

Design thinking helps you look at the problem differently: understand what people are experiencing, define the real issue, generate possible solutions, and test what actually works.

Learn how to apply design thinking and other practical tools in my Udemy course available at DoingTheChores.com.

Get ahead at work by Doing The Chores.

09/20/2026

Anyone can step into the role of a leader. We all perform the role of a follower at times. The ideal state is when we become collaborators—mutually influencing one another and creating meaningful change. That is leadership.

Talent Development needs to stop using “leader” and “manager” synonymously. Doing so can make the people on the front lines—the ones doing the chores every day—feel inferior.

A leader is a role, not a position.

Management is a position of authority granted by an organization to achieve its business objectives.

A manager can be a leader, but so can the people doing the chores every day.

Learn more in my book, Doing the Chores, available on Amazon or at doingthechores.com.

09/19/2026

Many popular leadership quotes are well-intended. But are they really about leadership, or are they actually about management?

Simon Sinek is a good example. I understand what he is trying to convey, and I respect the intent behind the quote. However, it does not resonate with me because I believe it describes management more than leadership.

Management has a responsibility to create an environment where contributors are respected, supported, and able to succeed.

Leadership is different.

21st-century leadership is an influence relationship among leaders and followers who become collaborators in order to enact meaningful change for their mutual purposes.

And most adults do not want to be “taken care of.” They want to be taken seriously. They want to contribute. They want to collaborate. They want to be part of creating something meaningful together.

That’s Doing The Chores.

That’s Talent Development 2.0.

Learn more at DoingTheChores.com.

09/16/2026

I'm was surprised today for being highlighted via the Association for Talent Development - ATD.

They published my reflection of earning a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and writing my book: Doing The Chores!

https://www.td.org/content/atd-blog/from-farm-chores-to-future-ready-leadership

Meet David Elser who earned the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD®) credential in 2019..