Homer’s Odyssey is routinely considered the greatest story ever told. Some twenty seven centuries later, it’s not only still a great read, it’s also a first-rate guide to developing and supporting talent. In fact, the very word ‘mentor’ comes from a character in this classic epic poem, while Homer’s portrayal of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, provides the perfect example of what it means to be a sponsor.
But what is the difference between a mentor and a sponsor, and what can a nearly 3,000-year-old text teach us about modern talent development? The answer to both is more than you think.
