The purpose of this mixed methods research study was to examine how educators lead with passion. The study identified key characteristics in school administrators and teachers who lead effective schools. This research study analyzed whether there were any significant differences in the leadership styles of administrators and teachers. Five research questions served to guide the investigation of leadership characteristics: (1) Is there a difference between the average reported scores for each of the three frequently used leadership styles? (2) Is there a difference between the administrators and the teachers on the three leadership styles? (3) Is there a significant difference between the schools on each of the three measures of leadership styles? (4) Which leadership characteristics do administrators and teachers perceive to have the most influence on creating successful schools? (5) Does the use of empowerment leadership theories such as transformational, servant, visionary, cultural, moral/ethical, and invitational affect the Academic Performance Index (API) scores at elementary magnet schools? Fifty-two administrators and teachers from three elementary magnet schools participated in the study employing a customized version of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and semistructured interview questions. There was a significant difference in the preference of leadership style by the participants. Research participants preferred the transformational leadership style. There was no significant difference in the perceptions by the administrators and the teachers in the responses to the leadership styles at the three elementary schools. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]