This paper focuses on the daily work of child care center directors in Finland and the USA as it affords leadership potential. Researchers in both countries collected data through observations of directors’ work and shared the data. Each researcher applied their respective method of analysis to both sets of data. The Finnish researcher used frame analysis and the USA researcher used activity setting analysis. Drawing on their preliminary findings, the researchers discuss cross-cultural perspectives on leadership in early childhood and methodological issues in conducting crosscultural research.