This article outlines the planning towards a research design to learn about leadership as it is constructed, experienced and developed in schools. It is intended that the research would go beyond an individual's account to gain an insight into the relationships and social dynamic within the organization. The hypothesis is that the degree of distributive leadership that exists within a school is a measure of the trust and respect between individuals. In particular, the issues of reflexivity and voice in research are considered. The author proposes that a study of leadership narratives can be developed into a layered, textured portrait.