Page 32 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

In discovering this process, one can argue for perspective in which each should seek

respectfully to engage with people who challenge our views. And we should oppose efforts to

silence those with whom we disagree—especially on college and university campuses.

As John Stuart Mill taught, a recognition of the possibility that we may be in error is a good

reason to listen to and honestly consider—and not merely to tolerate grudgingly—points of view

that we do not share, and even perspectives that we find shocking or scandalous. What’s more

there is the supposition of challenge, as Mill noted, even “if one happens to be right about this or

that disputed matter, seriously and respectfully engaging people who disagree will deepen one’s

understanding of the truth and sharpen one’s ability to defend it.” (George & West, 2017)

Using civic engagement and public dialogue to foster deliberative democracy allows

citizens and other members of the public to have a stake in governance and representative decision-

making through their actions. By deliberating with fellow constituents, decision-makers can arrive

at decisions formed in collaboration with the public (Gutmann & Thompson, 2004). Deliberative

democracy in the form of Community Conversations exists in face-to-face exchanges, inducing

what I describe as ‘Metasphere’ a metaphorical atmosphere of learning and action, as well as

potential inclusivity, collaboration and empowerment of marginalized groups. In this way, the

benefits of deliberative democracy contribute to more than collective decisions by promoting

“leaderful” practice (Raelin, 2011) as a distinct quality among stakeholder groups.

Leaderful practice refers to “the co-creation of community by those who are involved in

its development through their free expression and shared engagement” (Raelin, 2011, p. 196).

Consistent with views that see leadership emerging from social practices rather than from the

external mind, this WISR dissertation purposefully contributes to an emerging movement in

leadership studies also known as “leadership-as-practice” (LAP) that I have happily found as a

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