Leading in crisis: principals and COVID-19

School principals were presented an unprecedented opportunity beginning in March 2020 when their leadership ability was tested due to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Principals relied on their leadership skills to navigate this unknown terrain of leading through a global pandemic. Through the course of leading in crisis, their leadership styles were strengthened, and their commitment to the school communities, reinforced. The aim of this phenomenological study was to describe the experiences of principals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample consisted of 21 principals from elementary, middle and high schools across Maricopa County Arizona. Data were collected through 1:1 semi-structured interviews. The data was analyzed and coded to establish themes related to principals’ experience leading during the COVID-19 crisis. This phenomenological study, exploring the crisis leadership of school principals during the COVID-19 pandemic, provides insight on the leadership styles and skills that were developed and utilized while leading in a crisis. The findings indicate that principals relied on decisive leadership as well as strong and transparent communication skills while leading during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research also found that principals’ emotional intelligence was a contributing competency while leading in crisis. Identifying the leadership competencies that were developed through leading during COVID-19, could potentially support new and veteran administrators who will continue to lead during COVID-19 as well as other crises. The research may also positively influence the mental health of leaders if they are better equipped at proactively building their capacity to manage the stress related to leading in crisis