09-25-2014, 11:45 AM
Bernard Muir is tip-toeing through his first years as the AD. He might spend his entire career tip-toeing. He seems to share more with Ted Leland than Bob Bowlsby. When the situation doesn't absolutely demand courage and vision, we're not going to get it. He has the numbers to defend not making a change, so why go out on a limb? And he won't. Most empires (of all kinds) crumble from mediocrity that proceeds dramatic events or naked malfeasance.
Or, maybe Muir turn out to be great. Maybe. Bowlsby arriving and firing Wlat was like a superhero in a cartoon, the ground shaking when he landed with both feet. Rare occurrence. It doesn't have to be dramatic like that to be beneficial to Stanford, but it sure gives us a reference point for how leaders can make a difference-- quickly-- that everyone can feel. With Muir, the needle on the seismograph barely twitches.
Or, maybe Muir turn out to be great. Maybe. Bowlsby arriving and firing Wlat was like a superhero in a cartoon, the ground shaking when he landed with both feet. Rare occurrence. It doesn't have to be dramatic like that to be beneficial to Stanford, but it sure gives us a reference point for how leaders can make a difference-- quickly-- that everyone can feel. With Muir, the needle on the seismograph barely twitches.