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.
