Abstract
Abstract
This study aimed to understand the characteristics, traits, and qualities of womenseeking and obtaining high school principalships. Leadership theories such as the Great
Man theory has traditionally viewed leadership skills as gendered and has privileged
men and masculine qualities. However, trait and behavioral theorists have argued that
people can learn to be leaders and that women also possess the traits that suit them for
leadership positions. This study relied on in-depth interviews with female high school
principals about their career journey to leadership positions to reveal their shared
characteristics, traits, or qualities. In addition, the study provided insight to support
opportunities for other women seeking a high school principalship. This study found
several characteristics, traits, or qualities that female high school principals shared, and
they were selected for their position based on those qualities.
Keywords: leadership, principalship, traits, characteristics