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This study examines the developmental interactions between Japanese senseis (mentors) and early American leaders at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK). More specifically, this study examines why and how these early American leaders transitioned from the initiation phase of a mentor relationship to the active and transforma- tional participation of the cultivation phase. This research identifies characteristics of developmental interactions so that other leaders and mentors can effectively adapt Toyo- ta-style management practices and thinking.

Though the professionalization of Toyota Production Systems (TPS), also known as lean manufacturing, or sim- ply lean, has proven to be vast, the success rate of emula- tion and adaptation of sustained TPS has been low. One of the many problems that organizations face when adapting TPS is executive resistance and misunderstanding of lean management and leadership (Emiliani, 2018; Sherman, 1994). Toyota faced a similar problem of resistance when it hired leaders from other automotive companies into Toyota during the initial years at TMMK. Understanding how Toy- ota overcame this resistance offers insight into better mento- ring for adapting TPS.

This study performs qualitative interviews using oral history and grounded theory techniques. It specifically identifies characteristics of the transition from the initiation to cultivation phases of mentor relationships within TMMK from 1986 to 1992. This research illustrates how leaders who never before experienced the Toyota culture experienced transformation within mentor relationships, which enabled them to adopt Toyota's frame of reference for solving prob-lems and ultimately Toyota's culture. The findings may prove adaptable and beneficial for other leaders and execu- tives adopting TPS.

Interviewee Parrot, Alan Howell

Interviewer Noe, Nicholas

Paperback

On August 6, 2011, a tragic event unfoldedwhen Extortion 17, a Chinook helicopter, was shot down, resulting in the loss of 30 American servicemen, including 17 Navy SEALs from thelegendary SEAL Team 6. It marked the largestloss of life during the War on Terror, a warAmerica was told started because of Osama binLaden and 9/11.

In Alan Parrot's narratives, an oral historycaptured by Nick Noe, he puts tragic events, including 9/11, Benghazi, and Extortion 17, into perspective. Alan, an Arabist, spent much of his life with royalty in the Middle East and learned about such national tragedies throughobservation, conversations, and omission. He explains how diplomatic immunity played a rolein 9/11 and details the weapons transfer that resulted in the tragedy in Benghazi. 

Behind these heart-wrenching incidents lies aweb of secrecy and deception. Startlingrevelations have come to light, thanks to theevidence shared with the grief-stricken GoldStar families during the debrief. Astonishingly, itappears that Extortion 17 was not a random act of war, but rather a meticulously orchestrated setup. The threads of this conspiracy can betraced back to the historic Osama bin Laden raid, a mere three months prior, and thus 9/11.

Within the pages of this gripping book, you will embark on an extraordinary journey of discovery. Delve into the enigmatic concept ofdiya, the key that unlocks the truth behindExtortion 17. Unveiling secrets known to only aprivileged few, Extortion 17's Why illuminatesthe darkest corners of a clandestine world.

Prepare to be captivated by a tale that challenges your perception of reality and shedslight on the shadows. Are you ready to unravel the  mysteries and uncover the untold story ofExtortion 17?