| Lessons from
Geese
Courtesy of the Junior League of Spokane,
WA
As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird
following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock
adds 71% greater flying range than if a bird flew alone.
Lesson: People who share a common
direction and sense of community can get where they are going
more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust
of one another.
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the
drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back
into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird
immediately in front.
Lesson: If we have as much sense
as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are where
we want to go (and be willing to accept their help, as well
as give it to the others).
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation
and another goose flies at the point position.
Lesson:It pays to take turns
doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. With people, as
with geese, we are interdependent with each other.
The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up
front to keep their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure
our honking from behind is encouraging - and not something else.
When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot, two geese drop out of
the formation and follow it down to help protect it. They stay
with it until it is able to fly again or dies. Then they launch
out on their own, with another formation or to catch up with the
flock.
Lesson: If we have as much sense
as a goose, we, too, will stand by each other in difficult times,
as well as when we are strong.
Join the flock! |
