Lessons from Geese
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 geese, 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 #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 in formation honk to encourage 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 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 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.
"Lessons from Geese" was transcribed from a speech
given by Angeles Arrrien at the 1991 Organizational
Development Network and was based on the work of Milton Olson.
It circulated to Outward Bound Staff throughout the United States.
We share it here hoping that we can all learn these lessons.
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St. Brendan's Episcopal Church
4207 Mendenhal Loop Road
Juneau, AK 99803-3563
(907) 789-5152
mboesser@gci.net