Leadership, Turning Points and Failure
Oprah Winfrey displays many qualities of a leader. She is a seeker of truth in herself and in others; her empathy, honesty, and love of people have made her one of the most beloved women in America (Academy of Achievement, 2006). Oprah has been through many obstacles in her life including poverty, sexual abuse and early motherhood, but continued to work towards her goals (Borer, 2005). Oprah focused on her strength for journalism while landing jobs at radio and new stations before becoming a talk show host.
Oprah also made a name for herself in the African-American community. Oprah was asked to represent a local radio station as Miss Fire Prevention. Oprah would go on to win the competition and was the first African-American to ever win the contest (Borer, 2005). She is also the first African-American woman to become a billionaire. These successes came with hard work and dedication to a dream.
The failures Oprah has experienced can be linked to personal experiences that shaped who she is today. Things that she had no control over have made her a stronger person. People closest to her have been the ones to hurt her, but she continued to reach for her goals. Perseverance is a needed leadership quality to make it when one’s life is displayed in front of the media. Also, Oprah has the ability to challenge others to make a difference wherever they can.
References:
Academy of Achievement. (2006, May 5). America’s best beloved friend. Retrieved February 13, 2009, from http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/win0bio-1.
Borer, E. (2005). A childhood biography of Oprah Winfrey. Retrieved February 13, 2009, from http://oprah.about.com/od/oprahbiography/p/oprahchildhood.htm.
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Hello Gayle,
ReplyDeleteYes, perseverance is an understatement in Ms. Winfrey's case. She took every failure in her life, learned from it, and used it as motivation to move forward. She never whined; she never "pulled the race card" to get ahead; it was truly her own work ethic that got her where she is today. She is most of all an excellent role model for young African-American girls and women, as well as women of any ethnic background.
If you were to qualify her personality, what would you say her primary and secondary characteristics would be? I perceive "controller" in her because of her perseverance. I also perceive "supporter" in her because of her compassion and empathy.
As they say, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." In the case of Oprah that is definitely true. Through all the early failures, she kept focused on her goal to succeed. Being one of the most influential in America today, she has turned her focus to others with her Angel Network. As a leader, she chooses to bring others along with her on the path to success, recognizing them in their efforts to improve the lives of others.
ReplyDeleteWe are all products of our past. We can learn from it or be beaten by it. Oprah chose to learn and be strengthened by it. If things don't work out one way - seek another. Qualities of leadership abound in this woman, and she continues, in the best way she can, to make this world a better place. As I work with students in the Partial Hospitalization Program, I am always reading to them about people that have succeeded in spite of adversity, hoping that one of these stories will resonate with them. They all have adversities to overcome, and I hope the example of others will give them the inspiration and strength to stand up to their own issues.
Hi Gayle
ReplyDeleteOprah is a natural born leader. She has had to persevere to overcome the obstacles in her personal life. Randy Pausch also did not let obstacles stand in his way to achieve his dreams. The same can be said of Oprah.
Dr. Pausch learned from his father that when there was an elephant in the room, the best action was to introduce it (Pausch & Zaslow, 2008). This would bring a potential problem out in the open so it would not be an obstacle. During his last lecture, he started the presentation with pictures of the ten tumors which had spread to his liver. He did this to put his audience more at ease. Many in the audience were his students, former students, and faculty at the university who were aware of his illness. He wanted them to concentrate on the life lessons he was going to discuss rather than his cancer diagnosis. He demonstrated the leadership characteristic of hope.
References
Pausch, R., & Zaslow, J. (2008). The Last Lecture. New York: Hyperion.
Hi Gayle,
ReplyDeleteI believe you have chosen a strong leader to discuss. Those turning points in her life certainly were difficult to overcome and did require perseverance. This is such an important quality and it is so often overlooked. When we look leaders we often think of them as brilliant, creative, charasmatic, etc. This may be true but typically the quality that made them stand out was perseverence.
I believe we have all had failures in our lives. These become turning points if we act upon them. Those that do not act just have failures. Through our actions and perseverance we have our turning points. It is obvious from your post that Oprah is an exemplary model of such qualities.
Have a great day!!!
Dave