Fact
As each goose flaps its wings, its creates an uplift for the birds that follow.
By flying in a 'V' formation, the whole flock gains 71% greater 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 because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Fact
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone.
It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.
Lesson
If we have as much sense as a goose we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go.
We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.
Fact
When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.
Lesson
It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership.
As with geese, people are interdependent on each others' skill. capabilities and unique arrangement of gifts, talents and resources.
Fact
The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up in front to keep up their speed.
Lesson
We need to make sure that our honking is encouraging.
In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater.
The power of encouragement (to stand by one's core values and to encourage the core values of others) is the quality of honking we seek.
Fact
When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it.
They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again.
Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
Lesson
If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.