As each goose flaps its wings, it creates
an "uplift" for the bird following. 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
vision and sense of purpose can get where they are going quicker and easier
because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
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
birds immediately in front.
LESSON: If we have as much sense
as a goose, we will join in formations 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. Just like the geese, teamwork
and shared responsibility are vital to our success.
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 only encouraging and nothing less. It is amazing
what positive reinforcement can accomplish.
When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot
down, two geese drop out of formation and follow their fellow member down
to help and provide protection. They stay with the member of the flock
until he or she is either able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out
on their own, join another formation, or they catch up with their own flock.
LESSON: If we have as much compassion
as the geese, we'll stand by one another like they do.
During hunting season when taking off in
the morning small bands of geese will deliberately fly low to draw the
gunfire of hunters so the remainder of the flock can safely flyaway.
LESSON: We need to demonstrate
the same courage as the geese when it is our opportunity to help others.