What Strategic issues particular to the leaders and contexts described

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

? Scardino has evidently been the new broom, first sweeping away the traditional ‘sleepy’ Pearson
approach to publishing, principally by aiming aggressively to be the dominant player in its chosen
fields, and also implementing a new vision that embraces electronic publishing. Does her extended
tenure make her difficult to replace and has she attended sufficiently to this issue?
? Sorrell is well-respected, but his apparently ruthless style is unlikely to endear him to those who
suffer in consequence, as exemplified by his willingness to sue a former senior employee. The
company, WPP has an interesting corporate board structure, comprising a non-executive chairman,
Sorrell as CEO, finance and strategy directors, and 12 other non-executive directors, all very senior
and successful people who bring expertise in international business, media, information technology,
finance and academic perspectives. In terms of singularity, Sorrell might be compared to Warren
Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway, in effect being irreplaceable. What will happen when people like
them are no longer in charge?
? Helmut Kohl pursued his vision of a reunited Germany, despite opposition both in principle and in
respect of timing and speed. He used his power and influence to force reunification through. One
might argue that he was both opportunistic (seizing on the fall of the infamous Berlin wall) and a
long-term visionary, surely a remarkable combination of qualities. Political leaders are particularly
associated with determined intent to secure a positive image in history, sometimes it may be argued
to the detriment of their actual achievements while in office. Kohl was perhaps an extreme example
and sceptics would say that Germany is still paying for his vision. However, these traits are not
exclusive to politicians; see for example Carly Fiorina’s autobiography to see how her ambitious led
to HP’s merger with Compaq, widely regarded now (and by more than a few HP staff and supporters
at the time) as the wrong strategy for HP.