Introduction
Oprah Winfrey could easily be considered the "Queen of Change." Before even entering onto her web site at Oprah.Com a pop-up invites you to "Dream Big" which is just what she did when she was a little girl growing up in an impoverished neighborhood. Since that time, she employed change as a noun and a verb in every aspect of her life and business. A large part of her leadership style relates to transformation, for herself, her staff, her businesses and most of all as a product for her following. To maintain this type of fluid change requires strong leadership and vision.
Who is Oprah?
Oprah changed people, In 25 years and 4,561 shows, Winfrey has interviewed some 30,000 guests and many of them admitted that it changed their lives forever (Fisher, 2011). Oprah had changed people's lives not just by giving gifts in her show, but also by giving hope that they will be better. Throughout Winfrey's shows, she influenced her viewers to do the right thing. For example, in 1997, Oprah invited viewers to help make a difference in the lives of others by donating their spare change. Remember all the tear-jerking episodes of school children collecting pennies and donating the proceeds from their lemonade stands (Clifford, 2011). Also, Oprah had shed the light on a very significant issues such as gender inequality, racism, etc. which shows her aim as leader to make people aware of these issue where change to solve these issues going to be inevitable toward a better life. Another example of how Oprah changed people's lives is the Leadership Academy in South Africa where the school goal is to educate young girls to become leaders in their field, the school costs millions for the hope that the student will make a difference in their lives and to others.
The Leader in Oprah
Vision will influence change; an effective leader will create a vision that will make people see a better future and Oprah as leader knows that. Moreover, when Oprah's was a child and also a teenager she faced both social and physical issues that would prevent her from becoming who is she today, but because of her father's help and the dream (vision) she had, she succeeded; therefore, she is motivate and influence people to see a better future and learned from her experience instead of surrendering themselves and give up. For example, Oprah said to her audience talking about herself, “when I look into the future, it's so bright it burns my eyes" also she said: "we can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are". That message from her as leader to people that she wants them to have an optimistic vision, which will motivate them to change their present and work towards a better future (Pickthebrain.com, 2012).
Sharing knowledge and ideas to enhance learning and innovation, a leader should also encourage innovation and share knowledge. As a leader Oprah did that by hosting scholars in her show where they share ideas and knowledge. In addition, Oprah’s book club is another example of how she encourages the share of knowledge and ideas where she introduced the best books for her audience. Oprah’s style is warm, open hearted and accepting; this applies that same assumption that she also treats her employees as her guests and viewers. Her personality invites people to open up to her and share, whether it is on stage or in private. As a leader, it also engenders trust; people know she takes their opinions into consideration when making a decision. They are willing to follow her because she cares. Fostering confidence is an important first step in the leadership process. If people do not have confidence in their leaders, they consistently question their motivations, decisions and processes. She is an example of a leader that knows how to listen to people and take opinions openly. Oprah possesses the quality of a leader that cares not about her social position and status, but someone that breaks the typical barrier between a leader and follower.
References
Clifford, M. (2012, May 20). How Oprah has changed the way we live - CNN.com. CNN.com International. Retrieved December 7, 2012, from http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/13/oprah.influence/index.html
Fisher, L. (2011, May 24). How Oprah Winfrey Changed Lives - ABC News. ABCNews.com. Retrieved December 7, 2012, from http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/oprah-winfrey-changed-lives/story?id=13666585
Pickthebrain.com (2012). 7 Amazing Life Lessons from Oprah | PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement. PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement. Retrieved December 7, 2012, from http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/7-amazing-life-lessons-from-oprah/
