Why true professionals teach what they know
December 6th, 2013 by Bob Bly
If you believe, as so many do, that “those who can, do; those
who can’t, teach” – get it out of your head now.
The fact is that those at the top of their profession are often
the most active not only as practitioners but also as both
students and teachers.
The last time I wrote about this, I received a huge amount of
e-mail from my subscribers and Facebook friends.
They overwhelmingly agreed that (a) the “those who can’t, teach”
adage is absurd and (b) teaching others what you know is an
integral and important activity for most professions.
Here’s just a sampling….
WB: “If nobody who knew what they were doing showed others how
it’s done, then the only way to learn would be by trial and
error or from those who have never been a success at it.”
BW: “Teaching is my greatest joy. I love to learn about a wide
range of subjects. When I share what I’ve learned, as do you, I
learn even more. Plus, I form new bonds with those I teach,
whether in an informal way or in a well-organized workshop. It’s
all about widening one’s perspective and personal growth.”
BM: “I’ve had several careers and taught how-to courses and
seminars in all of them. I think it made me a better doer, and
it enhanced my business credibility and income.”
DG: “As consulting engineers we teach what we do, and we make
good money at it. In fact, it set both of us up for retirement
some years ago. At this point in my career, I actually enjoy the
teaching more than the consulting. Nothing like seeing someone
‘get it.'”
JG: “We teach what we wish to learn.”
ES: “And we learn best what we choose to teach.”
LW: “I have a strong background in the arts. Many very
successful musicians in classical music and jazz have enjoyed
the psychological effects of teaching and watching novices
develop. I could go on and on naming them: the violinist Isaac
Stern, the jazz pianist Hank Jones.
“A few years back I helped edit and rewrite a biography of a
famous British classical pianist, Ruth Nye, who is now a very
famous teacher. The principal theme of her biographer’s book was
that Ruth herself studied with one of the greatest pianists of
the 20th Century, Claudio Arrau who himself was also widely
known as a great teacher.
“This is true in all the arts. The Dutch painter Peter Lastman
was famous for his own work, but also for being Rembrandt’s
teacher. Hollywood is rife with examples of actors who taught
other actors (ever listen to the many thank-you’s in an Oscar
acceptance speech?).
“It’s true in sports too. I have cousins in professional
baseball and football management who talk about examples of
apprenticeships all the time. In our own business, Clayton
Makepeace is a glorious example of a man who has made fabulous
money as a copywriter and as a man who has derived joy (and
financial recompense) for being a great teacher.”
My own experience: every time I teach a class, which I did for
years at New York University and The Learning Annex, I feel I
have learned even more than the students – and my students tell
me they have learned a lot.
Sincerely,
Bob Bly
P.S. It always saddens me when I meet someone who thinks both
teaching and learning are beyond them.
Many years ago, at a writer’s conference, I sat next to a fellow
attendee. We were both perusing the conference brochure,
selecting the breakout sessions we would go to.
I noticed they had a session on selling a nonfiction book to a
major publishing house, and to make conversation, I mentioned to
her that it interested me.
She turned up her nose and said haughtily, “That might be good
if you are a beginner, but I have already published two books.”
I said nothing and smiled. Back then, I had written only 50
books … and I was eagerly looking forward to attending the
session to see what tips I could pick up. I guess they worked,
because I have written over 30 more books since then.
As my colleague seminar leader Paul Karasik often says to me,
“School is never out for the pro” – and that’s true whether it
means being a student or a teacher.
This entry was posted on Friday, December 6th, 2013 at 9:22 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
December 7th, 2013 at 9:24 am
Bob,
How can I learn if I don’t teach?
December 10th, 2013 at 7:37 am
Great post, Bob. On a related note, I often find that people tend to discount what they know/do best simply because they’re so adept at it; it’s easy to forget that not everyone has those skills and knowledge. So if you’re thinking you don’t know enough to teach a class, in other words, think again – you almost certainly are more expert than you think you are.
December 12th, 2013 at 6:51 pm
One of the most rewarding experiences of my life was teaching a writing class at Los Medanos College in California. I don’t think I”ve ever felt more appreciated and respected and I was so honored to get letters from students thanking me for what I had done for them.
At that time I was much younger with far less experience. But I had enough experience and enough enthusiasm to help others. And I don’t think I could have imparted that help to others if I couldn’t myself perform that which I taught and perform it very effectively.
December 15th, 2013 at 8:52 pm
In the teaching process, will encounter a variety of problems, the students will have a variety of ideas that relate to various fields, so the professors to absorb all kinds of knowledge to meet the students’ curiosity
January 8th, 2014 at 3:39 am
She turned up her nose and said haughtily, “That might be good
if you are a beginner, but I have already published two books
January 18th, 2014 at 2:40 pm
The problem I have with teaching is finding a receptive, engaged audience that deserves to be educated.
I am coming to this conclusion as a former idealist who believed that knowledge should be free, to (now) a cynical older person who firmly believes that most people expect (and demand) knowledge transfer to be effortless.
In the corporate world I would have people ask me “how the heck do you ****** as well as you do?” And they’d expect a 60 second summary. If I went over time they’d wave me off and say “Don, you’re just too brilliant to teach me, and I have other things to do.”
And in my last contract IT gig the guy I worked with assiduously avoided learning the base code being developed from me or asking questions. His tender ego couldn’t tolerate the information transfer. So he wasted his time OTJ and told everyone I was sealing him out.
Today I’ll teach for one of three reasons: to promote my business, or for direct pay, or if someone would really benefit and they are deserving of the investment.
January 21st, 2014 at 12:04 am
Nice post really.yes some of the people suffers from this kind of problem but if you want the best deal of fifa coins and great offers please visit:http://www.buyultimateteam.com/
February 17th, 2014 at 9:49 pm
The French is aware direct anything that will give the particular midfielder, whom grew to become one of the best people on the globe whenever equally decided to Milan. Mindful of this kind of, throughout the initial training features strongly followed the innovations and it has recently been all-around your pet.
Yesterday, inside the return to function, while he observed these chatting peacefully. Record has repeated today, in which the Brazil in addition has talked with France’s Zinedine Zidane, associate brain in the counter yet again.
March 17th, 2014 at 2:54 am
To get started, captain a baiter apprenticed for Limsa Lomina. Of course, the boating is arranged with adventures such as alternation of action adjoin the monsters. http://www.igxe.com/FFXIV/cheap-FFXIV-Gil-FinalFantasyXIV.html
September 22nd, 2017 at 3:23 am
Happy diwali Diya Pictures Download
September 22nd, 2017 at 3:25 am
scary halloween image download
September 22nd, 2017 at 3:26 am
Nice Post
October 13th, 2017 at 4:57 am
Leave a Reply
October 13th, 2017 at 4:59 am
Christopher Nolan
October 13th, 2017 at 5:00 am
This is true in all the arts. The Dutch painter Peter Lastman
was famous for his own work, but also for being Rembrandt’s
teacher.
scarlettcharlize
January 27th, 2018 at 9:57 pm
I completely agree. The only reason I own my own business now is because a professional was kind enough to take the time to teach me about business. We are all capable of learning for ourselves, but why relearn what someone else has already experienced?
John @
Fort Lauderdale Party Bus
February 28th, 2018 at 12:02 am
I have never experienced teaching but it must be extremely fulfilling to have people engaged in what you are teaching them.
Inez – housecleaningsantamaria.com
March 23rd, 2018 at 7:39 am
Thank you for sharing superb informations. I am impressed by the details that you have on this blog. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for new articles. Thanks!
March 25th, 2018 at 9:24 pm
This is such a truthful and well written article. Thank God for my mentor who taught me, not only my trade, but also how to properly deal with customers. He also taught me many life lessons. Teachers are our future
Ida
@ Tree Removal Columbia SC
March 26th, 2018 at 1:48 pm
Great read! Loved it! Im always bringing on new students and trainees in my business (photo booth Winnipeg) to help them learn and develop their own skillset in order to find success. Its super gratifying for both of us. Thanks for the post!
March 28th, 2018 at 9:16 pm
I completely agree with you on this.. I too am in both a teaching and doing position as the owner of a company. I not only bartend my own business because I enjoy doing it but I also teach other young men and women who want to become bartending professionals , I think there is much to be said about this subject and I think those who mainly in a teaching position get a bad rep but it’s not how it should be at all.
April 21st, 2018 at 2:44 pm
Thank you for sharing this great resource of info. I am impressed by the data that you have on this blog. It supports how nicely you perceive this subject. Thanks!
Gary
Owner | http://www.electriciansdayton.com
April 25th, 2018 at 11:29 pm
My hats off to anyone who has the ability to teach and coach. It is truly amazing to see your student start to implement your teachings. I think the key part here is implementation and action. Teaching is step 1 and implementation and taking action should be the natural outcome. Great article. Keep up the good work.
James
Landscaper & Owner
http://www.landscapingservicesajax.com
May 6th, 2018 at 6:56 pm
I have a great mentor and this article just confirms that. Wayne @ https://www.manchesterplumber247365.co.uk>
May 6th, 2018 at 6:58 pm
I have a great mentor and this article just confirms that. Wayne @ https://www.manchesterplumber247365.co.uk
May 11th, 2018 at 4:51 pm
Very good read. Mike @ https://www.mtlocks.co.uk.rochdale.html> and https://www.mtlocks.co.uk>
May 11th, 2018 at 4:52 pm
Sorry…meant:
https://www.mtlocks.co.uk and https://www.mtlocks.co.uk/rochdale.html
May 12th, 2018 at 11:12 am
I have never experienced teaching but it must be extremely fulfilling to have people engaged in what you are teaching them.
Greg Buc. | Owner | http://www.treeservicechesapeake.com
May 13th, 2018 at 6:19 am
Interesting article…I find that teaching others helps to teach and remind myself of good practises.
Paul – https://www.leicester-handyman.co.uk
May 15th, 2018 at 6:31 pm
I value and appreciate the teachers I’ve had in my life and hope to pay it forward.
New Britain Towing
May 16th, 2018 at 4:16 pm
Good to pay it forward, like Joe says.
Andy – Owner – https://www.manchesterroofers247.co.uk
– https://www.manchesterroofers247.co.uk/salford.html
May 19th, 2018 at 3:59 pm
Excellent eye-opener really. https://www.wiganplumbers247.co.uk
May 20th, 2018 at 4:41 pm
Very nice to pass on your knowledge, especially to the next generation who are interested 🙂
Robbie at https://www.stockport-plumber.co.uk
May 20th, 2018 at 5:37 pm
Good blog and nice to see it appreciates comments. https://www.manchesterdecorators0161.co.uk
May 22nd, 2018 at 10:31 am
Great article! I have also found that when you teach you learn. Win, Win!
http://www.bentontowing.com/bryant-ar.html
May 22nd, 2018 at 11:45 am
Good page to learn from. http://www.mdelectrics.co.uk
June 4th, 2018 at 8:01 pm
Really enjoyed this wonderful article.
http://www.stamforddrywallpros.com/
https://www.newbritaintowing.com/
June 7th, 2018 at 1:28 pm
Thank you for sharing
Flat Roofing
June 17th, 2018 at 3:20 pm
Awesome post, so much value here! Definitely worth the read and consideration of all. https://www.djwinnipeg.com/
June 18th, 2018 at 12:36 pm
Couldn’t agree more with your article.
http://www.treesurgeonbedford.co.uk
June 19th, 2018 at 8:45 am
Great value in this post. https://www.sunderland-plumbers.co.uk
June 19th, 2018 at 5:18 pm
These guys know their stuff alright… https://www.manchesterelectricians247.co.uk
https://www.saleelectricians.co.uk
June 19th, 2018 at 9:05 pm
Nice read, thanks http://www.medicinehattreeservice.com/
June 20th, 2018 at 12:56 am
I am constantly teaching new employees at my job
( http://www.brickmasonatlanta.com ) , but I am also a skilled brick mason who does the majority of the work. I have always hated that saying too!
June 25th, 2018 at 3:00 pm
love this post
June 25th, 2018 at 3:00 pm
Agreed! ttp://www.prestige-continental-express.com/
June 25th, 2018 at 3:01 pm
click here
June 27th, 2018 at 9:42 am
Click Here
July 13th, 2018 at 8:01 pm
Some interesting points. Definitely noted and will help in building my personal training business that I just launched.
July 18th, 2018 at 1:12 am
Couldn’t agree more. When I started my microblading service in Nashville, I certainly wasn’t following some of these tips but I plan to going forward.
July 19th, 2018 at 7:51 am
True, sharing skills and experience never cost anyone anything. Great piece on linking professionals. urban lawyers
July 22nd, 2018 at 5:44 pm
Experience and knowledge need to be passed along, I am always glad to have the opportunity to teach what I know.
Hartford Carpet Cleaning
July 23rd, 2018 at 9:09 am
This old school adage still holds weight; teaching is the best course of action to fully learn your trade. I follow this mentality when I perform Windshield Replacement Houston
August 7th, 2018 at 6:29 am
mycoles
mycoles sign in
mycoles sign up
mycoles staff login
mycoles support
mycoles support number
mycoles tax
August 7th, 2018 at 6:37 pm
Great news, thanks. http://www.treeservicebrandonmb.com
August 15th, 2018 at 12:51 am
And ignore what is of no importance to them. http://www.carpetcleaningnv.com
August 15th, 2018 at 9:03 am
Very good article on professionals and the mentors they can be. I know this from my own businesses.
Tree Services in Jacksonville
https://www.treeservicesbakersfield.com/
August 21st, 2018 at 3:59 am
Really enjoyed reading this blog, keep up the good work!
house removals Darlington
September 2nd, 2018 at 8:13 pm
This is great information to keep in mind thanks so much for sharing.
Pool Remodel Tampa
September 4th, 2018 at 1:22 am
Thanks For sharing this information. It’s Nice..!!!
https://games.lol/clash-royale/
September 4th, 2018 at 1:23 am
Very nice article and msg we likes so much
http://clash-of-royale.com
September 10th, 2018 at 9:37 pm
Thank you so much for sharing this informational article.
Henry, Owner at
<a href="https://www.knoxvillebrows.com"Microblading Knoxville TN
September 10th, 2018 at 9:38 pm
Thank you so much for sharing this informational article.
Henry, Owner at
Microblading Knoxville TN
September 15th, 2018 at 7:03 pm
Awesome share. Thanks for the insight.
Ben
Tree Removal
September 25th, 2018 at 6:58 am
Thanks for this information – very helpful in running our business.
Chad | Owner | Click Here
September 25th, 2018 at 7:03 am
Awesome post, so much value here! Definitely worth the read and consideration. Our tree trimming service has been doing fairly well.
Lilly
October 2nd, 2018 at 2:35 pm
Great post, i agree, quality value and input. Thanks. http://www.treeserviceregina.com
October 30th, 2018 at 1:27 am
You can never learn about business and entrepreneurship in a classroom from a business professor. To truly learn you need to be mentored by someone who is actually in the trenches – that how I was able to learn about my tree removal business was when I interned with someone who was actually doing the work. Excellent article and thank you for sharing.
November 11th, 2018 at 4:15 am
We are trying our best to provide all the New Year stuff that people are looking for in our website. As a part of it, this time we have come up with great collection of Happy New Year Images for Facebook and cards with Happy New Year for Facebook.
November 15th, 2018 at 11:13 am
I truly feel that some of the best people that turn out are the ones that learn on the job over and above those that ONLY have experience in the classroom.
November 15th, 2018 at 5:32 pm
Thanks for sharing you knowledge with us. I personally have always found the learning experience to much greater when I am doing it rather than being taught in a classroom setting. Just have I have done in my tree service company.
November 19th, 2018 at 8:17 pm
New Years is only just around the corner. Great timing in reading your article!
November 20th, 2018 at 1:54 am
The changes with time have not been aligned to the needs of most users.. austin epoxy floors
November 20th, 2018 at 10:42 am
You only really know something if you can, in turn, teach it to others.
Rob M | Owner | https://www.trinitybailbondstampa.com/
December 2nd, 2018 at 8:18 pm
I never believed in that old saying. I think it requires not only expertise to teach, but also a communication skill that is developed over time. Teaching also requires a lot of patience.
Timothy
sacramento interior painting contractor
December 2nd, 2018 at 9:08 pm
There is a kind of satisfaction that one gets from teaching someone else and watching them grow. Sometimes people miss out on this opportunity to help develop others because they think that teaching is second to doing. Thanks for the valuable insight!
Mark @ Roseville Wellness Chiropractic
December 4th, 2018 at 1:26 pm
Teaching is also important to pass on your skills onto the next generation. As an expert in something, you won’t live forever, and it’ll be good for society to pass on skills & knowledge to the next generation.
Dan | Roseville Roofer
December 9th, 2018 at 4:12 pm
Agreed with Dan 200%
Epoxy Flooring
December 11th, 2018 at 10:01 am
Agreed with Danny 300%.
December 14th, 2018 at 5:55 am
Great to pass on skills to our future.
December 14th, 2018 at 7:19 am
It is really good to share your knowledge with others as it not only improves others knowledge but you come across something new and will get to learn something new as well.
tow service macon
December 20th, 2018 at 1:16 am
True professionals also do not ignore what they do not know.commercial roofing Wilmington.
December 20th, 2018 at 1:31 am
That is some real talk right there emergency towing</a
December 20th, 2018 at 1:32 am
That is some real talk right there emergency towing
January 9th, 2019 at 5:29 am
indeed
January 9th, 2019 at 5:30 am
great engine
February 6th, 2019 at 9:31 pm
You only really know something if you can, in turn, teach it to others.
Brad M | Personal trainerl | https://www.786fitness.com/
February 7th, 2019 at 9:57 pm
Those who can’t do teach… those who can’t teach, teach gym.
chain link fence
February 8th, 2019 at 8:22 am
Passing on wisdom to the next generation is vital in my eyes and heart.
February 13th, 2019 at 1:24 am
Lotsa cool stuff to view here…
February 13th, 2019 at 1:27 am
Here it is…
bring the thunder
February 13th, 2019 at 3:48 pm
Excellent page.
https://www.stockportmanandvan.co.uk
February 16th, 2019 at 12:06 pm
air duct cleaning
February 19th, 2019 at 6:51 pm
Nice website
https://www.boltonelectricians247.co.uk
February 26th, 2019 at 11:02 am
excellent website to come across.
March 7th, 2019 at 2:40 pm
useful and interesting site, found a lot of useful information, thanks!
192.168.1.1
March 7th, 2019 at 9:41 pm
I really appreciate this page.
https://www.swindon-handyman.co.uk
March 11th, 2019 at 8:20 am
Je vous remercie de l’information! Je cherchais et ne pouvait pas trouver. Vous me aidé! 192.168.o.1
March 13th, 2019 at 7:16 pm
Great web page for me to have landed on
https://www.manchesterloftconversionsnw.co.uk
March 19th, 2019 at 4:48 pm
Happy to have stumbled across this.
https://www.kitchenfitterbolton.com
March 20th, 2019 at 1:15 pm
Teaching is a great way to test your knowledge and measure the level of your expertise in your field. You also learn more when you teach. You learn more through experience and teaching is one of those experiences that can make you sharper in your expertise.
Because professional have to teach what they know, I have to share this wonderful towing service I know 😉
Gainesville Towing Company
March 21st, 2019 at 8:45 am
Excellent page to have come across
March 21st, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Teachers have touched my life over the years, building the foundation I stand on today. It’s a job that demands more than most, but is under appreciated. Thanks to all you wonderful teachers!
March 21st, 2019 at 3:40 pm
Really interesting article, glad that you shared it!
Utilities Installations
April 1st, 2019 at 5:40 am
Nice post very helpful
Mr faisu
April 12th, 2019 at 6:53 pm
As far as I know, learning will never end. Having that continous learning can always push towards any goal you have. By the time you get older and mastered your skillset you can become a mentor your own and the cycle repeats – Learn, Grow, Teach.
Mason
Garage door technician, visit our site here
April 24th, 2019 at 2:09 am
Awesome post, so much value here! Definitely worth the read and consideration of all.
http://www.poojaroy.com/connaught-place-escorts.html
April 30th, 2019 at 2:25 pm
I love being able to pass on my knowledge to the next generation. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!
-Michael
Kryger Glass
May 2nd, 2019 at 11:18 am
Great post, I gained a lot of insight.
– Jimmy
Pool Cleaning Billings Montana
May 2nd, 2019 at 10:47 pm
Great post!
I feel like you learn more when you teach!
May 7th, 2019 at 9:59 pm
Needed to compose you a very little word to thank you yet again regarding the nice suggestions you’ve contributed here. duct cleaning
May 13th, 2019 at 5:42 am
I had found that the information is very helpful. That’s a awesome article you posted.I will come back to read some more. tree removal
May 14th, 2019 at 5:02 pm
A very inspiring and sincere message about the difference between “those who can, do; those who can’t, teach”. This gives much ideas on how to deal with your everyday living like things you didn’t yet encounter or that hasn’t been done and you don’t know yet, and whats more amazing is that it can be applied mostly in all of the aspect of our life like on what profession do we have, jobs, works, and etc. Thank you for sharing this thoughts, a very big help in ourselves and in our society.
I also want to share about Midwifery and Birthing. Whether you’re a first, second, third or more time mother, wanting a vaginal birth after cesarean, or wanting to labor in your home, the team of certified midwives at Family Birth Services is the right choice for you and your precious little one.
May 15th, 2019 at 7:54 am
I would love to be part of the recipients of this article hair treatment.
May 15th, 2019 at 5:04 pm
Maintain the great and hard work, suitable point here! I may not absolutely agreed for all of the comments but mostly I agreed on some of the thoughts about society and community activities today.
Lorie Nelson, the owner of Signature Virtual Assistance, has over 40 years of experience working as an executive assistant also Admin Support For Small Businesses across a variety of different specialties.
May 19th, 2019 at 9:52 pm
Good points. I agree it is best.
May 23rd, 2019 at 7:08 pm
Great explanation you have there! This is an eye opening for me. I will share this with my friends. In need of towing service? Check this out roadsideassistancestlouis.com
May 24th, 2019 at 2:17 am
http://danddhealth.co.uk
http://dymebellehealthcare.org
http://clinicalstudiespublishing.com
May 25th, 2019 at 5:10 am
One of the most rewarding part of teaching is seeing your students learn. If you want to check out my business, visit https://www.columbusepoxy.com