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Harpo

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Introduction
This case details the fact that Oprah Winfrey is the owner and powerful leader of an organization. Due to her powerfulness, she has a lot of power over things outside of just the company, such as presidential elections and book sales. Harpo faces the question of what would happen if something happens to Oprah and the trust the public currently has in her opinions and organization. Dangers There are potential dangers of having an extremely powerful leader for an organization. If that one leader has always been in charge, that person may be the only one to know certain things about the way the organization is ran or other key things someone taking over leadership may need to know. It’s also a danger that only one person remain in charge of the organization, because that one person doesn’t have any sort of check balance system, to ensure they are doing things ethically and correctly. What happens if something tragic was to happen to the leader, and no one is in the position to take over, because they do not know everything they need to, to run the business smoothly?
Alternatives
There are several options for Harpo to ensure they do not have a lack of leadership if Winfrey leaves the organization or the public loses trust in her. By having a leadership team, this would give each leader a general knowledge required to be a leader for the organization. From the leadership team, Harpo or even Oprah could identify a leader to take over her position once she knows she will no longer be there. If a leadership plan is laid out, and a knowledge transfer is completed, it is possible to have a true leadership succession plan. In order for someone else to be successful in the role, a knowledge transfer training plan will need to be completed. This should be completed by Oprah, as she knows herself what the job requirements are, and how she completes the job each day.
Winfrey Concerns

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