The figure above illustrates a "balcony view" of your school system. Just as a movie director may call for a close-up, as a school leader you may occasionally need to "zoom in" on the system. For example, you might wish to get a closer view of the technical domain and, in particular, standards.

By remaining on the balcony, though, you can "pan back out" to view the whole system again and examine, for example, the impact standards are having on your school's climate and culture. In other words, you can focus on the details as needed, yet keep the big picture in sight and in so doing, perhaps better anticipate the consequences of changes on the rest of the system.

In practice this may be easier said than done, especially in complex systems like schools. Nonetheless, by using an inquiry process, you can better understand the interconnectedness of your school system and, thus, reduce the likelihood of unintended consequences.

Next: A four-phase inquiry process.