You feel confident about your ability to analyze data, develop marketing and enrollment strategies, and oversee a selection process. Yet many aspiring and early tenure directors are surprised by the aspects of the job not written into the job description, like managing big parent emotions, standing your ground to ensure equity, and building supportive partnerships within and beyond your school. Mastering the most sensitive aspects of directorship requires you to go back to basics. Hear from two directors who regularly tap into their Kindergarten selves to navigate the most challenging parts of the job. This session will provide aspiring-to-veteran directors with tactical advice, practical tools, and ‘don’t make our mistakes’ anecdotes that will prepare you to face the hardest days on the job with confidence—and a sense of humor.