A. Challenge: The need to follow the direction from the top is explicit in Japan. If the president or leader of the company mandates an action, process, procedure, or policy, it is considered law. This is true even if it causes complications or hardships. B. Challenge: There are differences in communication and perceptions. The Japanese consultants, since they are from the culture in question, have preconceived ideas of what they should find. The rest of you have other preconceived ideas of what you should find. It is difficult when interpreting data about what the data really meant or what was the most important issue. You do not know what their assumptions are. C. Challenge: Even though you are the leader, you are the youngest person on the team and have the least experience. Others on the team, including the Americans, have reservations about your ability to lead, but your boss believes that you are talented and are capable of overseeing this project