The quality of education in Indonesia faces serious challenges related to low teacher competency, and teacher performance in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) is inextricably linked to the way leadership authority shapes commitment, discipline, and organizational rhythm. This article aims to explore the articulation of the kiai's transformational leadership in improving the performance of educators at the Hidayatul Mubtadiien Islamic Boarding School in South Lampung. Using a qualitative single-case study method, data were collected in depth to examine the dynamics of leadership in the field. The results show that the dimensions of ideal influence, inspirational motivation, and individual attention are operationalized through the integration of strong religiosity values as a form of spiritual "energy transfer." The novelty of this study lies in the mechanism of transforming kiai authority into a collective work tool that fosters discipline and innovation without eroding the tradition of the salaf. The implications of this research emphasize the importance of synergy between spiritual leadership and modern management to address quality incompatibilities in traditional educational institutions. This study provides a theoretical contribution to the development of an Islamic educational leadership model that is adaptive to global dynamics.