The Administrator Development Academy (ADA) is a 6-week preparation program for aspiring school administrators, developed by the Department of Educational Administration at a large state university in a midwestern city. Since 1983, the program's approach has shifted from one based on traditional discussions and lectures to one centered on the participants. This paper presents findings of an ethnographic study that examined program participants' patterns of behavior, beliefs, and practices. Data were obtained from observation, interviews, and document analysis. The program, based on the tenets of adult learning theory, emphasizes the development of reflective practices and interpersonal communication. Through group work, students learned trust and interdependence and began to view others as resources. Findings indicate that participants developed collegial relationships, the norm of shared work, and interpersonal communication skills. One figure and one table are included. Contains a 6-item reading list and 42-item bibliography. (LMI)