Transformational approach is a process of leadership that changes and transforms people, Northouse (2013). Transformational leaders provide a sense of vision and mission, they have the capability to inspire through communication of high expectations, stimulate the use of intelligence for problem solving, and provide personal attention and coaching for followers. This type of leadership is concerned with emotions, values ethics, standards and long term goals (p.185).
“Charismatic leaders act in unique ways that have specific charismatic effects on their followers”(p.188). Charismatic leaders are strong role models for the beliefs and values they want their followers to adopt. They are known to be dominant and have a strong desire to influence others. They also are self-confident and have a strong sense of one’s own moral values.
No one fits the above description of a transformational and charismatic leader better than Oprah Winfrey. Oprah Winfrey, known all over the world by her first name was born in rural Mississippi and raised by her grandmother until age six when she went to live with her maid mother. Winfrey overcame many challenges including being sexually abused at age 9, to become one of the most dominant media personalities of modern America. (Forbes.com). As a transformational leader Oprah Winfrey had a clear vision and mission best seen in her multi award show the Oprah Winfrey Show whereby she influenced and inspired millions worldwide to dream big. Time magazine named her “one of the most influential people” of 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Winfrey’s communication skills have enabled her to engage with people from diverse backgrounds. People have been able to identify with Winfrey because of her background and the fact that she was able to succeed in a male dominated world. Oprah is known to shed a tear over emotional stories through her interviews and this human side of her connects her with people who see her as caring.
Charismatic leadership is seen of Oprah’s dominance as the first woman to own her own network broadcast changing the lives of millions of her viewers. Oprah is self-confident and shares personal stories about her pain and joy.
She is an authentic communicator who makes a strong connection with her audience. She also has a great sense of moral values. When Oprah makes mistakes she is willing to announce that she was wrong. This is why so many of Oprah’s viewers feel a strong connection with her.
References:
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage
http://www.forbes.com/profile/oprah-winfrey/
http://www.oprah.com/spirit/The-Science-Behind-Charisma-and-Confidence
“Charismatic leaders have certain characteristics and demonstrate certain behaviors such as dominance, strong desire to influence others, self-confidence and strong sense of moral values. The types of charismatic behaviors are: strong role models for beliefs and values appear competent to followers, articulate ideological goals that have moral overtones, communicate high expectations to followers. “ (Lesson 10). Oprah has donated millions of dollars to set up her boarding school in South Africa. She is trying to be a strong role model for girls encouraging them to achieve their education and better themselves.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus (2014). PSYCH 485 Lesson 10: Transformational Leadership. [Online Lecture]. Retrieved from < https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/sp14/psych485/002/content/10_lesson/01_page.html
Your example of Oprah Winfrey as a leader is spot on. I agree with your assessment of her leadership but also wanted to offer a possible alternate way to look at her leadership.
When I think of Oprah Winfrey, I not only a transformational and charismatic leader, but a servant leader. If you consider the full body of work she has done on her shows, you will easily see several of the ten characteristics of a servant leader. Two of them that I think about are commitment to the growth of people and building a community.
Treating each follower as a unique person with intrinsic value that goes beyond their contributions to an organization shows commitment to the growth of people (NORTHOUSE, 2013). Oprah did this on her shows that focused on good bosses where she highlighted extraordinary measures taken by bosses to help the life of employees(OPRAH). By highlighting each boss as an example for the public, she was helping us all to grow.
A community is a collection of individuals who have shared interests and pursuits and feel a sense of unity (NORTHOUSE, 2013). Oprah did this on her shows where she frequently gave away gifts. Often times, the giveaways were tied to the theme of her show and many were focused on building a sense of community such as large donations to libraries, after-school programs and community centers (OPRAH).
Oprah Winfrey is an excellent example of many dimensions of leadership and I am sure she will be studied for years to come. Thanks for sharing a great example.
References:
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications
I think that you did a great job choosing Oprah Winfrey as a transformational leader. Oprah Winfrey would not be where she is today is she was not a transformational leader. As a talk show host, Oprah had a vision to be around for future years (Northouse, 2013). By being a transformational leader Oprah was able to motivate her staff by increasing morale (Northouse, 2013). Oprah also had to be innovative by sharing new ideas that she had for her show (Northouse, 2013). Oprah was also a charismatic role model because she worked hard to be where she is today (Northouse, 2013). I think that Oprah was able to prove to the world that you can accomplish your goals as long as you work hard.
References:
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage