<![CDATA[This study aims to describe the principal’s leadership practices in managing an elementary school, including decision-making, teacher professional development, academic supervision, communication, conflict resolution, and change management. This study employed a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The research subject was the principal of SDN 3 Pekanbaru. Data were collected through observation and interviews to obtain an overview of the principal’s leadership practices in school management. The findings show that the principal’s leadership practices integrate transformational, participative, and instructional leadership. Transformational leadership is demonstrated through role modeling, motivation, support for innovation, and assistance for teachers in dealing with changes. Participative leadership is implemented by involving teachers and educational staff in decision-making, while instructional leadership is demonstrated through academic supervision, teacher performance assessment, learning communities, professional development, and the use of Education Report Card data. Conflict resolution involves empathetic communication, coaching, a family-oriented approach, and mutually beneficial solutions. The findings indicate that effective school leadership does not depend on a single leadership style but on the ability to integrate multiple leadership styles, supported by humanistic communication, collaboration, professional development, and data-based decision-making.]]>
