Have you experienced being part of a meeting that spirals into tedious rambling blather, testy arguments, or just plain monotonous? More than likely it’s due to the elephant not yet mentioned. It can be uncomfortable to talk about sensitive topics, so we would rather dance around them than focus on the work at hand. Early childhood directors manage and lead more effectively when they establish and maintain positive relationships with their staff and community. This training will guide administrators and center directors through the steps to build respectful, dynamic, and welcoming relationships with families and staff. We will cover traditional early childhood administration topics, while also recognizing and exploring the human side of management and the critical role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership.