GEESE IN FORMATION

We have a large number of geese wintering over near us so it was not a surprise when I heard their honking overhead a few days ago.  Even though autumn has come and gone I thought I would share this recently rediscovered information from an old file titled “inspiration”.    The author is unknown.  I hope you enjoy it.

Limbs with geese

This fall, when ou 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 “V” formation, the whole flock has at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

People who share a common direction and a sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

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.  If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are.

When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.  It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs- with people or with geese flying south.  Geese honk from behink to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.  What do we say when we honk from behind?

Finally- and this is important- when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshots, and falls out of formation ,two other geese will fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help or protection.  They will stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or dies: and only then do they launch out on their own or with another formation, to catch up with their flock.  If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.

There are 5 lessons we can learn from geese- and use countless times in non-threatening and non-confrontational ways:

1. People who share a common direction and sense of common purpose can get there more quickly.

2. It is harder to do something alone than together.

3. Shared leadership and interdependence give us each a chance to lead as well as an opportunity to rest.

4. We need to make sure our ‘honking’ is encouraging, not discouraging.

5. Stand by your colleagues in difficult times as well as in good.

You really CAN learn a lot from a goose.

Peace,

Amy