Lessons We Learn from Geese
– author unknown
Fact 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% 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 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 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 out help to others.
Fact 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into 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 or resources.
Fact 4: The geese flying behind honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure 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
heart 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 back 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.