People Management

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Lessons From Geese

Have you ever given much thought to the reason birds fly in formation? In fact there are several reasons, each of which we can take as a lesson in how to interact as part of a successful team.

Take geese for example.

1.   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% extra flying range.

      LESSON: People who share a sense of community can help each other get where they’re going more easily.

2.   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.

      LESSON: If we have as much sense as geese, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We’re willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

3.   When the lead goose tires, it drops back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

      LESSON: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks. We should respect and protect each other’s unique arrangements of skills, capabilities, talents and resources.

4.   The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those at the front of the formation to keep up their speed.

       LESSON: In groups where there’s encouragement, production is much greater. Individual empowerment results from quality ‘honking’.

5.   When a goose gets sick, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it.

       LESSON: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in the difficult times, as well as when we’re strong.