Every group activity requires some sort of leadership to organize and direct therngroups' effort towards previously decided goals. Success of differentrnorganizations, especially educational institutions depend on effective and efficientrnprincipals.rnThe main purpose of this study was undertaken to asses the experience ofrnprincipals in government secondary schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, towardsrntheir visionary, instructional and participatory approaches of leadership. The studyrnalso deals in examining the actual experience and problems of principals inrngovernment schools.rnThe research methodology employed in the study was descriptive survey.rnAccordingly, a questionnaire for teachers and principals was prepared, pilot-testedrnand administered to a sample size of 266 teachers and 66 principals. Out of therntotal distributed questionnaires 94.7% of the teachers' respondents and 90.3% ofrnthe principals 'were properly filled and returned and used for the analysis. In thernanalysis of the data descriptive statistical techniques such as frequency,rnpercentages and chi-square testing were used.rnThe findings of the study revealed that principals are less effective in theirrnleadership due to lack of experience and qualification in the profession. Moreover,rnthe principals are predominantly occupied with managerial functions thanrninstructional leadership. The principal's role in promoting and facilitating thernparticipation of the stakeholders in their leadership is also very limited.rnFinally, based on the findings, recommendation on capacity building andrnempowering the principals to do their work effectively on instructional leadership,rnencouraging participatory approach of leadership and the involvement of thernstakeholders in school activities were forwarded .