Real Leadership: Oprah Winfrey

Oprah's Farewell Spectacular

As the final Oprah Winfrey Show airs this week, we are reminded of her dynamic legacy and her exemplary leadership.

An Empowering Leader
In the twenty-five years since her show debuted, Oprah has inspired millions to live their best life. The Oprah Show was more than a show. It was a finely tuned instrument that purposefully transformed lives. It was a powerful source of hope, empowerment, and limitless possibilities.

A Beacon of Humanity
The hallmark of Oprah’s leadership is her remarkable and inherent compassion for others.

She has given a voice to the voiceless and healed the lives of many. She has motivated people to rise up despite adversity, taught them to aspire to something far greater than they imagine, and gifted them with the ability to believe in themselves.

By spreading messages of love, peace, and tolerance, Oprah has caused people around the world to have new and different perspectives. Her show has brought laughter to our lives, hope to our hearts, and spirituality to our souls.

Humility and Generosity
Oprah has given generously to enrich the lives of countless families and individuals. Through her philanthropy, thousands of young men and women have received an education. As she makes the leap to the Oprah Winfrey Network, she remains humble and giving, and her focus remains on helping and inspiring people.

An Enduring Legacy
Leaders like Oprah prove that when you care about others…when you seek to lift people up…not only do you earn their respect and admiration, you create a path to GREATNESS.

As we say farewell to the Oprah Winfrey Show, we are not saying goodbye to Oprah herself. She will continue to permeate humanity with her altruistic spirit, forever impressing upon us her legacy and her brilliance.

What You Can Learn From the Romantic Period (Part 2)

"When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion." ~Dale Carnegie

The fascinating period in history known as the Romantic Period is the basis for this three-part blog which examines three “Romantic” principles you can apply to your life to achieve positive change and fulfillment.

Last week, part one gave an overview of the Romantic Period and covered the first principle, Express Yourself. You may catch it here.

And now for principle two…

2. Remember the Importance of Emotions
Romantics such as Beethoven and Schubert placed emphasis on emotion rather than intellect. They explored their minds and FEELINGS and they used art and literature to express their emotions.

While intellect plays an important part in our lives, emotion is also important to us and our relationships. Yet, sometimes we choose to hide our emotions because in many instances, it is what we have been conditioned to do.

When I was 12 years old, my father passed away unexpectedly. Perhaps through being conditioned by society, I thought I was being strong by not CRYING at his funeral.

We are afraid to cry and we view people who cry as weak. We are afraid to hug others because it is too “touchy-feely,” and we sometimes refrain from using the word “love.”

I once worked in an organization where the culture allowed us to express our emotions. We greeted each other with hugs instead of handshakes, the CEO told us he loved us, and it was not unusual for people to express themselves through TEARS. We were encouraged to live our lives with passion and enthusiasm!

This type of work environment allowed us to create strong bonds and made us feel like part of a family. It did not prevent us from maintaining a professional work environment or professional relationships.

Choosing to express your emotion can be as simple as telling your child you love him/her, expressing your genuine appreciation to a co-worker, letting a parent know how grateful you are for his/her love and support, or expressing your passion and enthusiasm for something.

You may also choose to perform a kind deed for someone; sometimes action speaks louder than words.

Expressing your emotion does not mean you have to hug every person on the street; although, this approach may help make the world a better place and has worked well for others. Watch video

In what ways will you choose to express your emotion?

What You Can Learn From the Romantic Period (Part 1)

"There will always be thousands of princes, but there is only one Beethoven." ~ Ludwig van Beethoven

Imagine a time when society breaks free from traditional beliefs, places emphasis on emotion rather than intellect, and embarks on an exploration of the “L” word…love.

Such was the case during the Romantic Period (or Romantic Era) in history.

The Romantic Period has little to do with romantic love. This period in history was a time of great CHANGE and emancipation.

What is the Romantic Period?
The Romantic Period was an artistic and philosophical movement (around the late 1700s to mid-1900s) when artists moved away from the strict laws of balance and restraint of previous periods.

Many Romantics of the early 1800s reacted against what they felt was the excessive focus on the rational part of the human psyche by enlightenment thinkers, the rigid rules of Neoclassical art, and political elitism.

Artists, such as Beethoven, emerged and began to express artistic freedom, experimentation, and creativity in their work.
Learn more about the Romantic Period

So how can you apply some of the principles of the Romantic Period to achieve positive change and fulfillment in your life? This three-part blog will examine a few ways.

3 Romantic Principles To Apply To Your Life
The Romantic Movement embraced six principal characteristics. Here we will examine three of the six principles and how you can apply them to your life.
Also see: Challenge Rules If They Don’t Make Sense

1. As the 1970s song goes, “Express Yourself”
During the Romantic Period, the expression of individual feelings through artistic work ruled the day. Painters, writers, and musicians—many of whom are famously known by a single name (Beethoven, Schubert, Goethe)—rebelled against traditional beliefs, styles, or institutions. Their personal feelings and expressions were reflected in their work.

When applying this principle to your life, think in terms of expressing your individuality.

Oftentimes you may conform to rigid rules and standards that do not allow you to express who you really are.

Your true self may be suppressed because you are influenced by the media, meaningless values placed upon you by society, peer pressure, and other factors.

BREAK FREE from traditional beliefs and seek viable avenues for self-expression. Commit to taking on a new project at work that allows you to contribute your style and individuality, join a group where your talents and ideas are welcome, write a blog, speak your truth, or act on your own innovative idea.

What are some ways in which you express your individuality?

Next Week: “Romantic Period” (Part 2) focuses on Emotion versus Intellect. See you then!