"کسی که خدمتگزار خوبی نباشد استاد خوبی نخواهد شد"

Here's the thing: the essence of the saying is pretty straightforward. If you can't respect and understand the role of being a good servant, you're not going to be an effective leader. It's all about empathy and experience. You can't expect to lead well if you don't know, firsthand, what it's like to follow.

Imagine you're working in a restaurant. You've got the owner who started as a dishwasher. They know the grind, the long hours, the physical toll. Because of that experience, they respect their staff and understand what they need to thrive. They lead with compassion and insight. Now think about an owner who’s never set foot in the kitchen. They might demand the impossible because they just don't get it. Their lack of experience as a servant limits their ability to be a good master.

This idea has roots in history. Many prominent leaders began in humble positions. Take Abraham Lincoln, for example. Before becoming one of the most revered presidents of the United States, he worked as a rail-splitter and a general store clerk. Those early experiences shaped his leadership. He knew the struggles of the common man because he'd lived them. His empathy and understanding made him a beloved and effective leader.

So, how do you apply this? Start by embracing the roles you might see as less glamorous. If you aspire to lead, first learn to serve. Be the intern who runs for coffee, the assistant who stays late to file paperwork, or the junior staffer who takes on the tedious tasks. By doing so, you build a foundation of understanding and respect for all roles within an organization. When you eventually move up, you’ll bring those lessons with you.

Think about a practical example. Imagine a teacher who wants to become a principal. If they've spent years in the classroom, dealing with disruptive students, tight budgets, and challenging parents, they understand what their teachers are going through. As a principal, they can make decisions that genuinely support their staff because they've walked in their shoes. Contrast that with a principal who’s never taught – they might lack the insight and empathy needed to effectively lead their teachers.

Here's a story to bring it home. Picture Sarah, an aspiring chef. She dreams of owning a top-tier restaurant. Instead of jumping straight to culinary school and opening her own place, she starts as a dishwasher. She scrubs pots and pans, learns the kitchen’s rhythm, and watches the chefs. Over time, she moves up to prep cook, line cook, and eventually sous chef. Each step of the way, she gains invaluable knowledge and experience. When she finally opens her restaurant, she knows exactly what each role entails. Her staff respects her because she respects them, having been in their shoes. Her restaurant thrives because she leads with understanding and empathy.

So, if you're aiming for a leadership role, remember this: don't shy away from starting at the bottom. Embrace the journey, learn from every role, and let those experiences shape you into a leader who truly understands and values their team. That’s the heart of the wisdom in the saying – and the secret to becoming not just a good master, but a great one.