President Summers is in for a rough ride in the next few weeks, judging by these articles in today's Crimson:
Summers' Backers Worry He May Leave
Former GSAS Dean Calls for Summers To Resign
Yes, Summers has problems. He's stubborn. He's arrogant. He doesn't seem to know how to effectively listen to people, or know when to keep quiet, or show contrition. Someone quoted in the Crimson a few days ago pointed out that what works in Washington doesn't work at Harvard, yet Summers still doesn't seem to get it.
But I really think it would be a shame if Summers is forced out. He really has some great ideas about the University, and how it should be developed. Worthy academic initiatives will likely be abandoned if Summers and his appointees are driven out. It would also throw a big wrench into Harvard's fund-raising plans.
Additionally, while speaking one's mind can be a liability (as he has learned many times) I think it's also an important attribute for someone heading one of the country's most important idea incubators.
I hope that some type of compromise can be reached -- to me, the most obvious choice would be for Summers to pull back from his centralization drive and give the tubs more autonomy to choose their own deans and programs.
And of course, learning better people and management skills would also help.
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