It cannot be overstated the broad skill set managers must have to manage conflict in modern organizations (Lang, 2009; Ramani & Zhimin, 2010). Few studies have explored this topic in smaller organizational settings where leaders often assume a greater number of roles and responsibilities. For this reason, this study analyzed preferred conflict management behaviors for small-school principals. A sample of head school principals answered a series of questions on a modified Thomas-Kilmann Instrument (TKI)--an instrument widely used in conflict-management studies. Behavioral preferences for male and female respondents were compared as in addition to exploring the effect of leadership experience. Although the gender of the principal had no statistical effect, leadership experience significantly explained preference for competing and compromising behaviors. Implications for conflict resolution skill development and research are discussed.