Oprah Winfrey is a legend, an icon, an inspirational force. From 1986 to 2011 she hosted The Oprah Winfrey Show, a kind of "confessional" talk show with a positive message.
She was born into poverty in Mississippi 66 years ago and as a youngster and teen was abused by family members and friends. But by the time she was in high school, she was presenting on local radio. She never looked back.
She moved to Chicago in 1983 and took a failing morning TV talk show to the top of the rankings. That became The Oprah Winfrey Show. Along the way, she co-founded Oxygen, founded Harpo Productions, as well as TV's the Oprah Winfrey Network. Her net worth is a staggering $3.1 billion.
Oprah Winfrey projects a positive, upbeat, approachable image. But is that real? What do those who work for her think of the experience? Let's have a look and see. Does she really "walk her talk?"
15 Lesson Number One: Don't Be Afraid To Take Risks
In 1985, Oprah was signed to appear in Steven Spielberg's The Color Purple. But her contract with ABC didn't allow enough vacation time. Her lawyer's advice changed her attitude. He said to take a risk and tell your bosses you are taking the time off. It worked. And changed her mindset. If you work for Oprah, expect to be encouraged to take reasonable risks.
14 You Will Need To Keep Improving Yourself - Make The Effort
Anyone who knows Oprah's story knows she has had tremendous challenges, struggles with self-worth, weight, and more. But her mindset is this: You need to continually work on improving yourself. Don't settle for second best. This culture of self-improvement is central to what is expected of her staff and employees. It's a positive message.
13 Don't Be Afraid To Take Responsibility, Even If Things Go Wrong
In 2018, Oprah played Mrs. Which alongside Reese Witherspoon in A Wrinkle in Time. The get-up she wore was bad enough, but the film got a disappointing 42 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. It was a failure. And she accepts her part of that failure. If you work for Oprah, you will be expected to accept responsibility for what you accomplish, both good and bad.
12 For Gosh Sakes, Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously
From Oprah.com: "Don't take it or yourself too seriously—it's just life. You're allowed to make mistakes, screw things up and fall down (which everyone does and always will). Be kind to yourself in this process." So, if you work for Oprah and screw up, have a good laugh and just move on. As she says, it's just life.
11 She Really Cares And Knows What Her Staff Is Up To
Expect her to know your name and what you are up to. Expect her to ask how you are and if there is anything she can do to help. The new staff is amazed at her ability to benevolently keep an eye on things. She may even ask how your little boy is doing in school or how your husband likes his new job. Oprah runs a business that is also a family.
10 Zero Tolerance For Lack Of Respect, No Matter The Rank
She doesn't care if you are Tom Cruise or the night janitor. Each person deserves civility and respect. She asks: "Do we really aspire to be citizens of a world that doesn’t value regard for one another?" One small thing: If you are talking to another employee of Oprah's, the rule is to respect them by putting your cell phone away. Give them your full attention.
9 She Is Accessible And Approachable
From myhero.com: "Oprah is a wonderful, wonderful person. Who she is on-camera is exactly what she is off-camera.... She's a totally approachable, real, warm person." Having come up from nothing, she is well-grounded and unspoiled by all her success. If you work for her, expect her to greet you in the hall and welcome you into her office. She really cares.
8 Staff Do Their Best - They Don't Want To Let Her Down
By now, you should be getting the message: Oprah's management style is inspirational, warm, and encouraging. And her staff react to that in a very unsurprising way: She inspires tremendous loyalty. People who work for her will go the second mile, pull out all the stops because they don't want to let her down.
7 She Leads By Example
Oprah Winfrey is a woman who walks her talk. She has had emotional, financial, and personal struggles few of us will ever experience and she has pulled herself together and made a success of her life on every level through positive attitudes, warmth, gratitude, and sheer grit. What you see is what you get with Oprah. End of story.
6 She Notices And Rewards Your Efforts
OK. Let's start with a biggie. In 2016 Oprah took 40 of her staff on a vacation to Hawaii. And let's don't forget that in 2009 she shelled out $750,000 to take more than 100 of her staff and their families on an all-expenses-paid cruise around the Mediterranean. Of course, she was there to enjoy it all with her loyal staff.
5 You Need To Hone Your Presentation And Communication Skills
Oprah is in iconic communicator, someone who is as good on a stage in front of thousands of people as she is chairing a staff meeting, or communicating one on one. Honing your communication and presentation skills is an important part of any job you do for Oprah. It's about getting the message across, but it's also about boosting your confidence.
4 You Will Be Part Of A Dream Team - Be A Team Player
Divas beware: Don't go to work for Oprah. She calls her staff her "dream team". She encourages them to take risks, improve themselves, and respect one another. But if you work for Oprah, leave your inner-diva at the door and become a dedicated team player. Oprah fosters a "we're all in this together" attitude that builds happy and cohesive teams.
3 You Will Learn To Take A World View
In 2013 President Barrack Obama awarded Oprah Winfrey The Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling her "the pinnacle of the entertainment universe". Part of her message is this: Embrace diversity, take a global view, and engage people you disagree with. Employees are encouraged to take a world view, to gain a global perspective.
2 Will Be Surrounded By Top Notch People Who Love Their Jobs
Oprah hires the best. In fact, the best will almost fight to work for Oprah. It is, overall, such a good experience that her staff turnover is ridiculously low. You will be surrounded by bright, positive, upbeat people who genuinely love what they do and who admire and respect, even love, Oprah. It sounds like a dream job situation to us.
1 You Might Just Get Invited To Her House For Dinner
OK, you've been hired by Oprah. You and your team have worked really, really hard on a project that is near and dear to Oprah's heart. You and the team complete the project. And it's a great success. What happens next? Well, there's always Hawaii or, as one staff member revealed, an invitation to Oprah's house for dinner. For real!