Richard Spady has identified 10 general theories through research in the field of administrative theory. Three of the theories are stressed in this paper. First, the theory of learning that uplifts the importance of the Socratic method is stressed, followed by a reflection on the research of Arthur W. Combs that defined the characteristics of good and poor teachers. Third, the Zeitgeist principle is discussed. The paper describes one application of these theoretical considerations in the democractic strategic plan implemented at the Bellevue School District (Washington State). It took 2 years to implement the process in a district with a 36-year history of commitment to the notion of participative decision-making. The communication processes developed by Spady and adapted by the Bellevue School District offers a means of engaging large numbers of people in a dialogue without the usual dissatisfaction expressed by participants of large meetings. Appended are five references, sample responses from the "many-to-many opinionnaire," and a sample summary of opinionnaire responses and comments. (SI)