Purpose: The objective of the present study is to compare the Personal Leadership Resources (PLR) of primary school principals in Spain and Portugal, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative methodology was used to analyze the data obtained from a questionnaire that measured the PLR of a sample of 308 principals from both countries (Portugal and Spain). Findings: The results showed that the education leaders utilized their PLR with less intensity in a health emergency. Also, it was shown that the PLR related to the need to know effective practices, the efficiency in problem-solving, and the management of one's emotions were crucial in moments of crisis. It is essential to identify the PLR utilized in moments of crisis to influence the training of education leaders to manage future emergencies efficiently. Originality/value: This is the first study comparing the PLR developed by school principals in Catalonia (Spain) and Portugal before and during the pandemic.