Mentors: Case Studies
- personal995
- May 29, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 10, 2025
Index
Case Studies: By Examples
Case Studies: Cautionary Tales
Purpose
Mentors: Case Studies is a section of Mentors.
This page and section exists to provide examples of what can happen when it all comes together or caution what can happen if it doesn't.
Introduction
Take heed of the stories of others. We are a storying telling species, they help us remember.
We often won't understand the ramifications of poor planning, preparation or actions until it is too late. We have all had to learn something over and over. Either 'the penny doesn't drop,' we have cognitive biases that hold us back, or we do not quite yet have the accumulated knowledge or experience to tie it all together.
The Case Studies are provided to help show what can happen when it all comes together or caution what can happen if it doesn't.
The Case Studies are just appetisers to get you started. Read the referenced further readings in the Library (or similar books that might more readily align with your specific goals) to really submerse yourself into another's experience and absorb the learnings.
Process
As with the Lessons, review these Case Studies as and when it best serves you to do so:
Review with the aim of prevention in mind. To avoid having to learn the hard way yourself.
Review if you are stuck on a specific phase or step.
Review if you are making repetitive errors.
Review if you need inspiration and motivation.
Review if you need to review or reconstruct your Models & Theories.
Review if you are looking for inspiration for Values or Goals.
Absorb and Action the Case Studies:
Document any insights or ideas in your Templates and ultimately if suitable, in your Action Plan.
Read more deeply about someone you may want to emulate.
If the individuals mentioned do not resonate with you, who does? Discover them and learn their story.
Take what you learn and put it into action.
Whatever you discover that you need to learn, whether positive or negative, it doesn't really matter. Again, what matters is what you do next.
Continually learn, continually improve and move forward.
Case Studies: By Example
1. Alexander the Great and Aristotle
In ancient history, the tale of Alexander the Great and his mentor Aristotle is a compelling narrative showcasing the profound benefits of mentorship. A young and ambitious Alexander, destined to become one of the most influential military leaders, found himself under the tutelage of the eminent philosopher Aristotle.
Under Aristotle's guidance, Alexander's education transcended traditional military training. Aristotle, a polymath of his time, imparted a broad spectrum of knowledge encompassing philosophy, ethics, politics, and sciences. This holistic education laid the foundation for Alexander's ability to govern, not merely as a conqueror but as a leader with a nuanced understanding of diverse cultures within his vast empire.
Aristotle's influence extended beyond academic pursuits. His teachings on ethics and rational decision-making shaped Alexander's leadership style. The philosophical principles instilled by Aristotle became the bedrock of Alexander's approach to governance, reflecting a balance between strategic prowess and ethical considerations.
The impact of Aristotle's mentorship wasn't confined to a singular domain; it permeated every facet of Alexander's life. The emphasis on critical thinking and reasoning, integral to Aristotle's teachings, manifested in Alexander's strategic brilliance on the battlefield and in matters of statecraft.
The story of Alexander and Aristotle stands as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, illustrating how a mentor's wisdom can shape not only an individual's intellect but also their character and legacy.
Further reading: The Landmark Arrian: The Campaigns of Alexander (James Romm)
2. Michelangelo and Lorenzo de’Medici
In the annals of history, the narrative of Michelangelo and his mentor Lorenzo de' Medici unfolds as a poignant testament to the transformative influence of mentorship. Michelangelo, the prodigious artist of the Renaissance, found himself in the orbit of Lorenzo de' Medici, a prominent patron of the arts and a leading figure in Florentine politics.
Under Lorenzo's patronage, Michelangelo's artistic talents blossomed. Lorenzo recognized the young artist's potential and provided him with not only financial support but also access to the rich cultural milieu of Florence. Surrounded by poets, philosophers, and scholars, Michelangelo's creative spirit was nourished in this intellectually vibrant environment.
Lorenzo, known as "Il Magnifico," was more than a mere benefactor; he became a guiding force in Michelangelo's artistic journey. The mentorship extended beyond the realm of art, with Lorenzo offering insights into politics, philosophy, and the human experience. The Medici Palace, Lorenzo's residence, became a salon where ideas flourished, and Michelangelo imbibed the Renaissance spirit.
The impact of Lorenzo's mentorship was profound. Michelangelo's artistic prowess flourished under Lorenzo's encouragement, leading to masterpieces like the statue "David" and the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Beyond artistic achievements, Lorenzo's influence shaped Michelangelo's worldview, instilling in him a passion for classical learning and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of various disciplines.
While the historical accounts of their interactions may not capture every conversation, the echoes of Lorenzo's mentorship resonate in Michelangelo's enduring legacy. The story of Michelangelo and Lorenzo de' Medici serves as a testament to the catalytic power of mentorship, illustrating how a mentor's patronage and guidance can elevate an individual to unprecedented heights of creativity and intellectual enlightenment.
Further reading: Michelangelo And The Pope's Ceiling (Ross King)
By reviewing these lessons above you can gain inspiration, seek clarity, deepen your awareness of where you can improve and compound your results moving forward.
Case Studies: Cautionary Tales
1. Steve Jobs and John Sculley
The cautionary tale of Steve Jobs and John Sculley is a mentorship saga that took a dark turn within the corporate corridors of Apple Inc.
Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple, recruited Sculley, then the CEO of PepsiCo, with a famous pitch: "Do you want to spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want a chance to change the world?" The mentorship began with optimism and shared visions for revolutionizing the tech industry.
However, as Apple faced financial challenges and internal conflicts, the mentor-mentee relationship soured. Jobs, known for his intense personality and high expectations, clashed with Sculley's more traditional corporate approach. The differences in leadership styles, compounded by the pressures of steering a burgeoning tech giant, led to a power struggle within the company.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Apple Board sided with Sculley, leading to Jobs' departure from the company he co-founded. The mentorship, which started with ambitious goals of changing the world, ended in a public fallout and a period of professional exile for Jobs.
This cautionary tale highlights the risks of mentorship when power dynamics become imbalanced, and conflicting leadership styles create internal strife. The Jobs-Sculley story serves as a stark reminder that even visionary mentors and mentees can face irreparable rifts if communication falters, egos clash, and the mentor-mentee relationship becomes entangled in the complexities of corporate dynamics.
Further reading: Steve Jobs (Walter Isaacson)
By reviewing these cautionary case studies above you can heed their warnings, adjust to suit, deepen your awareness of where you can improve and compound your results moving forward.
Output Checklist
Completed Strategic Review Worksheet from The Workbook for approaching any Mentors related opportunities or challenges, guided by all key learnings from this section.
Next Steps
If you feel you have key learnings to takeaway, return to Mentors: Main to integrate into your Output Checklist.
To continue to learn more, move on to Mentors: Library.
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