Abstract

The volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity of the 21st-century educational landscape necessitate that educational leaders employ more than mere strategy and efficiency in their leadership. There is an increasing necessity for educational leaders to prioritize the needs of stakeholders within institutions, especially educators and staff, who are integral to the effective functioning of educational processes. Cultivating strong relationships to establish a harmonious environment is crucial for ensuring collaboration between leaders and followers toward this objective. This study examines the lived experiences of ten Malaysian college leaders who practice people-centered leadership in their positions. Data were primarily collected through semi-structured interviews utilizing a transcendental phenomenological approach to obtain comprehensive insights into participants' experiences. The research question regarding how educational leaders operate in volatile, uncertain, complicated, and ambiguous environments yielded a prominent theme: participants based their actions on people-centered values, including ethical conduct, service to followers, and cultivating trust. Participants articulated the results of their efforts, indicating the transformations they noticed as they prioritized the welfare of their organizations. The findings suggest an increasing necessity for educational leaders, policymakers, and emerging leaders to redirect their leadership approaches towards fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere that enhances the overall well-being of stakeholders inside their organizations.