Usha James and Warren Woytuck examine how adopting a critical inquiry stance together with an ecosystem metaphor can support leaders in disrupting deficit-mindedness, siloed thinking, and short-term solutions. Drawing on examples from ecosystem science, Indigenous knowledge, and leadership experience, the article illustrates how these ideas can help leaders think more deeply about data, practices, and learning environments. This article first appeared in Principal Connections, Summer 2024 Volume 27 Issue 3.