Fact:   When a goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift. When geese fly in a V formation, they have a 71% greater flying range than when they fly alone. 
Lesson: People who share a common community and sense of direction can get there quicker because they travel on the thrust of another. 

Fact:   When goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone and usually gets back in formation to follow the new leader. 
Lesson: If we stay in formation and willingly accept the help of others and give help to others who share in the goal, we can go further. 

Fact:   When the lead goose tired, it rotates back into the formation while another goose flies into the point position. 
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing the leadership tasks. Like geese, people are interdependent on their gifts, talents, and resources. 

Fact:   Geese flying in formation honk to encourage others to keep up their speed. 
Lesson: We need to be sure 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 is the quality of honking we seek. 

Fact:   If a goose gets too sick, or shot down, tow geese drop out of formation to protect it. They stay with it until it does or is able to fly again. Then they form another V or catch up with their own flock. 
Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we'll stay by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong. 

 

©2002 Christa Landon