inspirational leadership

Inspirational Leadership: 3 Examples from Annie Oakley

Annie Oakley is an American icon of the old West. Born August 13, 1860, she was a famous American during her day and proved women were capable of so much more when given a chance. The Annie Oakley story became famous because of her performances in the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show which traveled the world in the late 1800’s.  

As a sharpshooter, Oakley learned her skills out of necessity, hunting game near her rural Ohio home. A champion for women’s causes, Oakley advocated strongly for female service in the military and penned a letter to President William McKinley in1898 offering her services, along with 50 other female sharpshooters, to the government, should they go to war with Spain. Unfortunately, when the war happened, Oakley’s offer was refused. 

Oakley was not a professional motivational speaker, but her words and actions impacted women around the world. As a member of the National Women’s Hall of Fame, she became the subject of countless books, movies, and even a Broadway musical, Annie Get Your Gun. Evident in everything that mentions her name, Oakley lived the concepts of : Teamwork, Tone, and Tenacity everyday.

Oakley’s own words promote the very principles she stood for. These Annie Oakley quotes resonate the T3 principles:

  • TEAMWORK:  Out of hundreds of performers, Oakley was acknowledged as one of the most approachable, enthusiastic, and empathetic members of the Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.

A crowned queen was never treated with more reverence than I was by those whole-souled western boys [of “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show] … And for 17 years I was their sister, sharing both their news of joy and sorrow from home.” – A. Oakley 1882

 

  • TONE: There is no more humble or more sincere form of patriotism than love for one’s country. Oakley’s affinity for home was evident whereever she traveled.

After traveling through 14 foreign countries and appearing before royalty and nobility,  I have only one wish today. That is, that when my eyes are closed in death that they will bury me back in that quiet little farm land where I was born.” – A. Oakley 1925

  • TENACITY:  Oakley’s story shows that achieving goals is hard work and demands perseverance with a purpose.

Aim at a high mark and you’ll hit it. No, not the first time, nor the second time. Maybe not the third. But keep on aiming and keep on shooting for only practice will make you perfect.” – A. Oakley 1901

Oakley was an advocate for women to be independent and educated. She was a key influence in the American West and provided substantial evidence that women are very capable when given the opportunity to prove themselves. 

Paul Becker inspires leaders and organizations on how to overcome adversity and achieve their maximum achievement through “Teamwork, Tone, Tenacity.”™  A motivational keynote speaker and author, Paul draws on decades of experience successfully leading, large, diverse teams in complex and unpredictable situations.  His “T3” principles provide a framework for turning tragedy into triumph when faced with the unexpected, and directly translate into corporate pillars of performance, productivity and profit.  

The Becker T3Group focuses on improving personal and team results by reflecting on real world examples of leadership and translating “T3” practices into corporate pillars of performance, productivity and profit.  For more T3, visit: https://TheBeckerT3Group.com 

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