As the dialogue continues with the

As the dialogue continues with the various constituents of the community, the
questioning of the current structures and practices begins. How were these structures and
practices created? What purposes did they serve? Are they still useful? Have they caused
unintended consequences? The lesson that the leader begins to model during this part of the
process is one of inquisitiveness and curiosity - two of the most important qualities for any
learning community. “It means that learning and the acceptance of uncertainty that is always part
of learning are part of the culture, or the genetic code of the system. [L]eaders expect
themselves and others to be uncertain, inquiring, expectant of surprise, and perhaps a bit joyful
about confronting the unknown” and questioning the known (Senge et al., 2000. p. 417).
However, there is one caveat about this aspect of the process. It must be done with a degree of
reverence for the current practices, as they are a part of the present climate, culture and
community. Even if the stakeholders are uncomfortable with some of the current practices, they
are theirs and to question them in a manner that could be perceived as disrespectful may feel to
some in the community like the leader is undermining their very personal foundation, as well as
that of the community.