Excellent principals are sense makers of schools that help create a sustainable school climate that will enhance students’ and teachers’ productivity. Hence they are not only the CEO but also the instructional leader and motivator for their teams. In exploring the leadership characteristics of an excellent school principal in Malaysia, findings indicated that the principal demonstrated characteristics outlined by literature and used a variety of educational strategies and situational leadership styles. Nevertheless some felt that the principal was too ambitious, result oriented, and had little time for teachers and students.