"他先施工，后来传授"

The core idea behind this quote is that before you can effectively teach or guide others, you should first practice and gain experience in what you’re talking about. It’s about leading by example, showing you have walked the walk before you talk the talk. The idea is simple: if you want others to take you seriously and truly learn from you, you need to have firsthand experience.

Historically, this way of thinking has been relevant for centuries. Think about it — back in the day, apprenticeships were the way many crafts and trades were learned. A blacksmith, for instance, would spend years working alongside a master blacksmith. The master didn’t just tell the apprentice what to do; he demonstrated it day in and day out. Only after years of working and gaining knowledge would the apprentice become skilled enough to teach others. This principle has held true in so many areas of life, from ancient times to the present.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Picture a seasoned firefighter. They’ve spent years running into burning buildings, saving lives, and learning the intricacies of fire dynamics. Now, if this firefighter decides to teach a new batch of recruits, they’re not just spouting theory from a textbook. They’re sharing wisdom earned through countless real-life experiences. They can explain what to do when things go sideways because they’ve been there. The recruits are far more likely to respect and learn from someone who’s been in the trenches — literally.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by diving into the things you’re passionate about. If you want to be a mentor, a coach, or a leader in any field, make sure you’ve got the experience to back it up. Get your hands dirty. Take on challenging projects. Make mistakes and learn from them. The more you do, the more valuable your insights will be when you decide to share them with others.

Imagine this scenario: You’re a young professional aiming to become a great manager. Instead of jumping into a leadership role right away, you spend a few years working in different departments, learning the ins and outs of the company. You take on extra projects, volunteer for challenging tasks, and maybe even shadow a few seasoned managers. Over time, you gain a broad understanding of how everything works and build a reputation for being reliable and knowledgeable.

When the time comes for you to step into a management role, your team respects you. They know you’ve been where they are. You’ve faced the same challenges, and you have practical solutions because you’ve been in the trenches. You’re not just repeating management theories; you’re sharing real-world advice grounded in your own experiences.

In essence, if you’re looking to teach or lead, make sure you’ve put in the work first. People are more likely to listen and learn from someone who’s genuinely been through the process themselves. It’s all about earning that credibility and respect through action before imparting wisdom. That’s the heart of “first he wrought, and afterward he taught.”