Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of one element of a principal preparation graduate program that uses visualization as a technique to practice decision making. Design/methodology/approach: The author analyzed information collected from participants who created personal case studies using a visualization technique. Data also were collected through interviews and reflections of the new principals. Findings: A description of the use of visualization is offered including two examples of case studies using visualization. In the examples, new principals learned to make strong decisions about challenges and felt they developed problem-solving skills that they would use in the future. Research limitations/implications: The study was limited to case scenarios of two new principals. There is a need for a greater connection between university preparation programs and the daily reality of principals work. Practical implications: The suitability of the content of existing principal preparation programs warrants closer examination. Originality/value: This report contributes to the understanding of possible strategies for use in principal preparation programs that develop capacity and decision making.