There is a lot we can learn in leadership, team work and community from the plight of migrating geese.
Next time you see geese heading south for the winter, flying in a “V” formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way.
As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.
Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Finally, when a goose gets sick or wounded and falls out of the formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies; and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their own group.
People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily, because they are creating momentum and trust. Imagine what we could create if we adopted the principles of these geese.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” ~William James