Lessons from Geese
Fact 1: As each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the
birds that follow. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71 percent
greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson: 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.
Fact 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag
and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back up into formation to take
advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately ahead of it.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation
with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and
give our help to others.
Fact 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into formation and
another goose flies to the point position.
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership.
As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skills, capabilities
and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, or resources.
Fact 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage each of those
up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where
there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement
(to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heat and core of others)
is the quality of honking we seek.
Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop
out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it
until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation,
or catch up with with the flock.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other
in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
(submitted by the Sage)