5 facts that top teams learn from geese
- Published on 29 Jan 2013
- Charles Lubbe
Fact #1: As each bird flaps its wings, it creates a ‘current’ that lifts the bird following it. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds 71% more flying range than if one bird flew alone.
Lesson learned: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier if they travel on the strength of one another. The clearer the vision or certainty of a team, the more courage they demonstrate in achieving their results and the less they concern themselves with individual effort.
Fact #2: Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.
Lesson learned: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stay in formation with those who are ahead of where we want to go and be willing to accept their help and give ours to others. Top teams encourage discipline and look forward to opportunities for positive criticism, ensuring that the entire team reaps the reward.
Fact #3: When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.
Lesson learned: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. Teams that are focused on their vision understand situational leadership and don’t need to be micro managed.
Fact #4: The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson learned: We need to make sure our ‘honking’ from behind is encouraging, and not something else. Teams that place a value on regular check in and feedback hold their shape.
Fact #5: When a goose gets sick, is 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 is able to fly again, or dies. They then launch out on their own, with another formation, or they catch up with their flock.
Lesson learned: If we have as much sense as geese do, we too, will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
