This report examines leadership and the impact of a leadership-education retreat through the eyes of six undergraduate college men who participated in the Institute of Men of Principle at a Midwestern College. The report relates the results of a study on what influences shaped the definition and experience of leadership for the participants of the institute. Data were collected from entry and exit interviews and from field notes made from observations of the participants during the 5-day curriculum. The study found that early socialization experiences are paramount. In addition, participants uniformly struggled with assuming and keeping the role of leader. Being a leader also played a crucial role in the self-esteem of the participants. Analysis of the curriculum revealed that the application of leadership and leadership theory during hands-on activities was effective in shaping the view of leadership. Viewing leadership as needing to be congruent with personal values and as the process of an involved team were the strongest consistent changes in the participants' views. The case is made for qualitative and longitudinal investigation for assessing leadership education programs. (Includes 2 appendices and 28 references.) (Author/WFA)