Lessons From Geese

Fact One

As each goose flaps it's wings it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow. By following the "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

~Lesson~People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are travelling on the trust of one another.
Fact Two

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

~Lesson~If we have as much sense as a goose we 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 Three

When the lead goose tires, it rotates back in to the 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 and resources.

Fact Four

The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up with their speed.

~Lesson~We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, production is much greater. Individual empowerment results from quality honking.

Fact Five

When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation to 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 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.

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