Lessons From Geese

This is a popular story across the internet and it’s easy to see why. I’m not alone when I say that the animal world has a lot to teach us if we just pay attention. This story is filled with lessons which apply to the way we work in teams and particularly as volunteers for not for profit organisations. Sometimes it seems as though our voice is the only one trying to bring attention to the cause but, as you read this, you will realise that you’re not alone, and your team is with you. Learn how to work with it for better results.

Lessons from Geese

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird behind it. By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock adds 71% more 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 when they are travelling on the thrust of one another.

When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down. They stay with the goose to help and protect it until it is able to fly again or it dies. Then they launch out with another formation to catch up with the flock.

Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other.

Whenever a goose falls out of the 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 in front.

Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.

Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership.

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

Lesson: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging - not something less than helpful.

Now that you’ve read the lessons, take from them what you can. Volunteers are amazing people – you are an amazing person – so stick together like geese and move forward as one. You have more chance of being seen and heard if you fly together as one.