Conventional wisdom holds that there are gender-based differences in the practices of men and women in leadership positions. Stereotypically, men are seen as using a direct "command and control" style of leadership while women are assumed to be more collegial and collaborative. A review of the literature on differences in male and female leadership styles is followed by a report on a study that explored the issue of gender differences in leadership in rural Texas school districts. The Leadership Practices Inventory was developed to assess administrators' perceptions of their own leadership practices. The instrument was completed by 18 male and 20 female superintendents of small and rural school districts in Texas. Statistically significant differences were found between male and female superintendents in their perceptions of their leadership practices, particularly in the practices of "challenging the process" and "modeling the way." Female superintendents perceived themselves as engaging in both of these leadership behaviors more consistently than male superintendents. No significant differences were found in perceptions of male and female superintendents concerning their leadership practices of inspiring a shared vision, enabling others to act, and encouraging the heart. Contains 17 references. (TD)