Reflection

THE GOOSE STORY

Author Unknown


Next fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in ‘V formation, think about what science has learned about why they fly that way.

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following it.

By flying in a ‘V formation, the whole flock can fly at least 71% farther than if each bird flew on its own.

Perhaps people who share a common direction can get where they are going quicker and easier if they cooperate.

When a goose falls out of formation, it feels the resistance of trying to go it alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of flying with the flock.
If we have as much sense as a goose, we will work with others who are going the same way we are.

When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose flies on the point.

It pays to take turns doing hard jobs for our group.

The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Finally, (get this) when a goose weakens or is wounded and falls out of formation, two geese fall out with him to help and protect him.

They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and they then set out on their own or in another formation until they catch up with the group.

If we had the sense of a goose, we would stand by each other like that.

OBSERVATIONS and LIFE LESSONS
Observation #1: As each goose flutters its wings, it creates an updraft for the bird following it in the V-formation of migration. By flying in this V-formation, the geese are able to migrate further than if each bird flew unaccompanied.

Observation #2: When the lead goose tires, it peels off the point position and rotates back into the V-formation. Another goose then steps up and takes its turn fighting in the wind from the point position.

Observation #3: The lead goose (on the point) never honks. The geese behind the leader continue to honk praise and encouragement to the lead goose.

Observation #4: Sometimes two or three geese break away from the formation in order to look for a better wind current or a more creative and better way to fly.

Observation #5: When a goose gets sick or wounded and has to go down to land. Two other geese fall out of the formation and go with it to support and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to return to the formation. Then the “escort” geese try to catch up with their own flock or another formation of geese. Life’s Lesson #1: People who share a common vision and sense of a common direction go further and faster by supporting one another.

Life Lesson#2: It pays to take turns delegating critical task to team members. It also allows everyone in an organization to grow.

Life Lesson #3: The power of praise plus recognition is critical to success as people work together on significant projects in an organization.

Life Lesson #4: An effective organization believes in constantly experimenting with new ways at methods. In today’s environment, teamwork is an absolute necessity.

Life Lesson #5: When tasks are tough we need to support one another. Delegation plus teamwork require follow-up, dialogue and support.