A leader needs to be fun, but also hard-working. A leader should create a safe work environment, but also motivate workers. A leader should set an example, but also know how to let loose every once in a while.
All of these together, seem pretty impossible, right? Not if you’re a transformational type of leader! According to Week 10 notes, transformational leaders move followers to accomplish more; transformational leaders and passionate and driven; transformational leaders generate excitement among followers and build strong emotional attachments with them. Who is the first leader that pops into your head after reading these descriptions? John F. Kennedy? Martin L. King? Frankly, mine is Oprah!
Oprah Winfrey is a great example of a transformational leader. According to a Forbes article, “Experts agree that Oprah is a leader to emulate. She is uniquely able to inspire her team and execute her vision while maintaining mass appeal” (Goudreau, 2010). She motivates her team so well that this not only makes her success right now, but it also secures her success in the future. Her team will follow her anywhere she goes. Not only she nurtures her team, but she also takes them on vacations, and throws parties. Still, her ambition, passion, and drive are what effects people around her the most.
She can transform between these qualities so well that her leadership style is being taught as courses. Being able to form a strong emotional bond with her team was very important to her, and she made the world know. I hope to one day work for a leader like Oprah one day!
References
Penn State. (2017). Lesson 10 commentary notes. World Campus
Goudreau, J. (October 22, 2010). How To Lead Like Oprah. Forbes Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jennagoudreau/2010/10/22/how-to-lead-like-oprah-winfrey-own-rachael-ray-dr-oz-phil/2/#73dfacb05133