In this study, the reasons why men and women behave differently in leadership roles in schools were investigated because of recent research on the indirect nature of the school principal's impact on learning and on gender differences in leadership behaviors. Practicing principals (109 males, 172 females) from two Southwestern states were surveyed regarding their relational leadership behaviors. Findings in this study were not congruent with the typical stereotypes that surround gender issues in leadership behavior. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.