Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this descriptive case study was to identify ways in which selected public school principals who have a high spiritual orientation describe their spirituality, and to identify practices by which those principals perceive that they demonstrate their spirituality in their leadership role. Methodology. The research was descriptive. Four principals were included in this exploratory case study. The data were collected by survey and during interviews. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to identify, classify, and summarize the predominant practices by which the principals demonstrated their spirituality in their leadership roles. Findings. The principals identified most strongly with altruism, idealism, relationships, and a sense of mission as components of their spirituality. They described specific practices of self-reflection, maintaining relationships, and sharing a sense of mission, as examples of how their spirituality influenced their leadership. Conclusions. Principals perceive that their high spiritual orientation influences their ability to develop and maintain relationships, to approach their work with a sense of mission, and to practice self-reflection and analysis. Recommendations. First, that principal professional development programs include opportunities for participants to define their personal spirituality and reflect on its impact on their leadership practice. Second, that professional articles regarding the influence of spirituality on school leadership refer to specific practices that reflect a spiritually-centered leadership. Third, that dialogues take place in educational settings that address the influence of spiritual orientation in the workplace, and on leadership.