The current study is aimed at analyzing modern problematicity of forming personality leadership qualities in higher educational institutions within Ukraine; considering personality leadership qualities as a direct contact between the leader and followers, the multi-role educational leadership, the presence of leadership qualities both in heads of higher educational institutions and other participants (teachers and lecturers), the ability to educate leaders; perceiving leadership essence, fundamental transformations experienced by modern higher educational institutions and their leaders, main reasons for modern leaders’ failures in the light of new civilizational paradigm, the mental model influence on behavior and its relationship with the outside world. For this purpose, the formation of a new work culture at the university, in which absolutely all links, all education participants are interested in improving the quality of higher education has been examined. It has highlighted that Ukraine has a fairly high level of higher education in accordance with the world indices and rankings in terms of higher education quality. The study states that a modern leader is a person who thinks in global categories, assumes potential opportunities, demonstrates the latest technology knowledge, encourages constructive challenge, contributes to the development of individuals’ abilities, delegates authority to them, develops a team work approach, demonstrates personal achievements, a high level of competence, acts flexibly regarding the required situation, in accordance with the proclaimed values and mission. Thus, in terms of unstable socio-economic and political reality, leadership is considered as a model for managing a higher educational institution effectively