Often, a decrease in group energy or commitment can be traced to unspoken disagreements and negative feelings. When these issues are addressed, the energy and commitment return. However, conflict can blow apart the fragile bonds of a group that has little holding members together except their own desire to learn and grow. So it becomes critical to address conflict in a way that honors all perspectives and all individuals. Organization and leadership emerges Rather than focusing on structure, form follows essence in a learning community.
Leadership is shared and the structure can take more than one shape and still work.
Too much energy spent on trying to find the one right structure can pull a group off purpose. Some structure is needed, but in our experience minimal is better. There is more than one way and structure to meet the group s needs. The facilitator is a crucial element of a learning community and plays a number of important roles. The facilitator plays a key role in building a strong container that allows the group to raise and explore its own questions.