The
Goose Story
Next
autumn, when you see geese heading south for the winter,
flying in their
familiar “V” formation, you might be interested in knowing
why they fly that
way.
Science has learned that, as each bird flaps its wings,
it creates an
uplift for the bird immediately behind it.
By flying in a “V” formation, the
flock together gains over 70%
more flying range than if each bird flew on its
own.
Like
the geese, people who share a common direction and a sense of community
can get
where they are going quicker and easier,
because they are traveling on the
thrust of one another.
Whenever
one goose falls out of formation,
it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of
trying to go it alone.
It will quickly try to get back into formation to take
advantage
of the lifting power of the birds in front.
If we have as much sense
as a goose,
we will stay in formation with those who are headed
the same way we
are going.
When
the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing,
and another goose takes
over the point position.
It pays to take turns doing hard jobs!
The
geese from behind honk constantly,
as you’ve no doubt heard whenever a flock
passes overhead.
They do this to encourage those up front to keep up their
speed.
An encouraging word goes a long way!
Finally,
when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshots,
and falls out of the
formation,
two geese follow it down to stay with it and protect it.
They stay
until the goose is either able to fly again, or dies.
They then launch out on
their own or with another formation
to catch up with the group.
If we have the
sense of a goose, we will stand by each other.
Lessons we can learn from Geese...
'Individual empowerment results from quality honking'
Lessons from Geese provides a perfect example of the importance of team work and how it can have a profound and powerful effect on any form of personal or business endeavour. When we use these five principles in our personal and business life it will help us to foster and encourage a level of passion and energy in ourselves, as well as those who are our friends, associates or team members.
It is essential to remember that teamwork happens inside and outside of business life when it is continually nurtured and encouraged.
Lesson 1 - The Importance of Achieving Goals
As each goose flaps its wings it creates an UPLIFT for the birds that follow. By flying in a 'V' formation the whole flock adds 71 percent extra to the flying range.
Outcome
When we have a sense of community and focus, we create trust and can help each other to achieve our goals.
Lesson 2 - The Importance of Team Work
When a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front.
Outcome
If we had as much sense as geese we would stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.
Lesson 3 - The Importance of Sharing
When a goose tires of flying up front it drops back into formation and another goose flies to the point position.
Outcome
It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks. We should respect and protect each other's unique arrangement of skills, capabilities, talents and resources.
Lesson 4 - The Importance of Empathy and Understanding When a goose gets sick, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to the ground to help and protect it.
Outcome
If we have as much sense as geese we will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong.
Lesson 5 - The Importance of Encouragement
Geese flying in formation 'HONK' to encourage those up front to keep up with their speed.
Outcome
We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups and teams where there is encouragement, production is much greater. 'Individual empowerment results from quality honking'
Author Unknown
