<![CDATA[Purpose – This study examines how leadership supervision supports student talent and interest development at Pondok Pesantren Ar-Riyadh Palembang. It focuses on how supervisory practices move beyond administrative control toward developmental guidance. Design/methods/approach – The study employs a qualitative single-case design conducted from September to November 2024. Data were collected through interviews, direct observation, and document analysis involving the mudir, program mentors, students, and parents. Data were analyzed through interactive qualitative analysis and process-oriented thematic interpretation. Findings – The study identifies four interconnected supervisory mechanisms: trust-based delegation, monitoring and mentoring, performance-based evaluation, and recognition and opportunity. These mechanisms enable mentors to exercise operational autonomy while remaining connected to leadership guidance and accountability. Monthly competitions support progress evaluation, while recognition, external participation, community da'wah, and digital media activities expand developmental opportunities. The process contributes to program continuity and student development. Research implications/limitations – The findings offer a process-oriented framework for talent-development supervision in pesantren. However, the single-case design does not establish causal relationships and requires further examination across different institutional contexts. Originality/value – The study proposes the Relational-Transformational Supervision Cycle for Santri Talent Development, explaining how supervisory routines grounded in pesantren values connect delegation, mentoring, evaluation, recognition, and developmental opportunity.]]>
