This article considers qualitative shadowing as a fruitful method to investigate leadership practices. We propose that an approach to practice that takes into account the activities of "sayings, doings and relatings" offers a fresh perspective on how to obtain rich data on practices of leading. The value of this idea is illustrated from a collaborative shadowing study on leadership in Early Childhood Centres. Conducting investigator triangulation and video-observation, we demonstrate how practical knowledge is realised in practices of leading. We conclude that the mode of "Shadowing as a means of understanding practice(s)" gives a valuable contribution to the existing conceptualisations of qualitative shadowing.