Michael O'Brien: Igniting the Joy of Work

Gratitude Through Hard Times

In this insightful episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with Michael J. O'Brien, founder of The BluePrint Toolset®, Inc., to explore how leaders can ignite the joy of work and foster positive cultural transformation within organizations. With over 35 years of experience coaching executives and consulting across diverse industries, Michael shares his journey from finance to becoming a leader in behavioral economics and corporate culture.

Michael explains the significance of focusing on strengths through appreciative inquiry—shifting attention from solving problems to amplifying what works well. He introduces his coaching model based on five key questions that help leaders foster growth and resilience in their teams. They discuss how mindset plays a crucial role in shaping outcomes, drawing on Barbara Fredrickson’s Broaden and Build Theory to highlight how positive emotions drive innovation and productivity.

The conversation also touches on the parallels between leadership and parenting, emphasizing the importance of helping others grow independently. Michael reflects on the power of gratitude in overcoming adversity and building resilient teams. They discuss the negativity bias, which makes it easier to focus on problems, and how cultivating a mindset of gratitude can break this cycle, leading to greater fulfillment.

The episode closes with an exploration of whether kindness is on the rise or decline, with both Chris and Michael asserting that while negativity captures our attention, acts of kindness are more prevalent than we think. This episode is packed with valuable insights for leaders and anyone looking to bring more joy, purpose, and positivity into their work and life.

Key Discussion Points:

From Problem Solving to Possibility Thinking:

• Michael’s BluePrint Toolset helps leaders unlock their teams’ potential through positive psychology and mindset shifts.
• Focus on what’s working and build on that through appreciative inquiry.

The Importance of Joy in Work:

• Instead of striving for happiness, aim for joy and flow in work. When people find joy in their work, productivity and fulfillment follow.
• Michael highlights that joy can be as rewarding in the workplace as it is in personal hobbies.

Leadership & Parenting Parallels:

• Michael draws a parallel between leadership and parenting, stressing that great leaders inspire and develop others, much like a good parent fosters growth in their children.
• He encourages leaders to focus on the long-term development of their teams and help them see how their efforts make a difference.

Gratitude & Growth in the Face of Adversity:

• Gratitude plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth. Adversity, if reframed positively, can lead to resilience and transformative change.
• Referencing research, both Michael and Chris discuss how mindset and gratitude can create an upward spiral of growth and fulfillment.

Shifting from Negativity to Opportunity:

• The human brain has a natural bias towards negativity, but by shifting focus to positive experiences and possibilities, leaders can create a more optimistic, resilient, and productive culture.

Notable Quotes:

• “To go from average to amazing requires appreciative inquiry. It’s about focusing on what’s working and finding ways to do more of it.” – Michael J. O'Brien
• “Joy in work leads to happiness, not the other way around.” – Michael J. O'Brien
• “Gratitude shifts our perspective, which shifts our beliefs, our actions, and ultimately our reality.” – Chris Schembra

Action Items:

1. Take the Blueprint Toolset® Assessment: Unlock your organization’s potential and enhance your team’s leadership abilities.
2. Practice Appreciative Inquiry: Begin asking your team members about their recent successes and how you can help them grow. Implement Michael’s five questions for regular one-on-one check-ins.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Michael J. O’Brien is the visionary founder of The BluePrint Toolset®, Inc., a platform that transforms intangible cultural insights into actionable strategies for organizations, leaders, and teams. With a diverse background in finance, economics, and human behavior, Michael has been guiding organizations to success for over 35 years. He has personally coached over 5,000 senior executives across six continents and co-authored ThinkBanking & Corporate Webbing — 50 Secrets to Success in the Digital Age. Michael currently resides in Houston, Texas, with his wife Angela and their dogs, Luna and Daisy.

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ABOUT OUR HOST:

Chris Schembra is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Gratitude Through Hard Times and Gratitude and Pasta. USA Today calls him their "Gratitude Guru", he's a Founding Member of Rolling Stone Magazine's Culture Council, and he sits on the Executive Board at Fast Company Magazine.

He is the Founder and Chief Question Asker of the 7:47 Gratitude Experience™ — an evidence-based framework used to strengthen client and team relationships in profound ways. He's used the principles of gratitude to spark thousands of relationships within the workplace.

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