This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to understand the influence of principal leadership styles, including their character and behavioral traits, on new teacher motivation and retention in urban K-12 public schools. Specifically, this study examined the similarities and differences regarding what principals and novice teachers perceived as the most critical leadership characteristics and behaviors influencing teacher decisions to stay in challenging urban school environments. The theories that guided this study were Herzberg's motivation-hygiene theory and transformational leadership theory. The study sample consisted of eight new teachers within their first three years in the classroom and five building principals with five or more years of leadership experience from an urban K-12 school district in Michigan. A triangulation of data collection methods and multiple sources, including individual interviews with new teachers and principals and a new teacher focus group discussion, helped to develop a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon. Member checking, bracketing, and intercoder reliability confirmed the reliability and validity of the research. The researcher transcribed, analyzed, and coded the collected data to identify emerging themes. The findings of this study contribute to past literature, providing a better understanding of how principal leadership styles influence teacher motivation and retention and provide a better understanding of new teacher and principal perceptions of critical leadership behaviors that affect motivation and retention in urban school settings. This new understanding can aid in combating high teacher turnover and shortage rates, thus improving the quality of classroom instruction and student achievement. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]