Theory.
Finally, I will discuss, in detail, how she uses normative leadership style to fit situations and people based on model questions.
According to Achua, effective leaders fall within five dimensions of personality: surgency, agreeableness, adjustment, conscientiousness, and openness (Achua, pg.48). Oprah excels in the area of agreeableness as shown by her ability to use her traumatic childhood to inspire and motivate others. Using her emotional intelligence, she empowers her followers to solve their own problems. This is best exhibited by many of her shows dedicated to self-improvement. Oprah also excels in the area of surgency. Her warm-extroverted personality, along with her determination to make a difference in the world, has assured her dominance in show business. She is open to growing as a leader and has done so by being flexible in our ever-changing entertainment industry. An example of this is her ability to perform as an actor, producer, and philanthropist, while also hosting talk shows. She adapted
effortlessly to the social media craze and used it to grow the Oprah Television Network. Early in her career, Oprah struggled with adjusting to her new found fame. She was particularly uncomfortable with her weight and launched numerous weight loss campaigns. Over time, Oprah gained acceptance of her weight and began promoting healthy lifestyles rather than fad diets. Achua explains that “leader motive profile includes a high need for power, which is socialized; that is greater than the need for affiliation and with a moderate need for achievement” (Achua, pg.46). Oprah’s ability to command attention from influential people such as US Presidents and celebrities to grow her brand and advocate for social change is a perfect example of her effectiveness within the confines of Leader Profile Theory. Oprah’s conscientiousness solidifies her place in history as well as her role in American society.