Lessons from Geese

Adapted from "The Sense of a Goose" (source unknown)

This fall when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying in a V formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly this way.

• As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immeditately following. By flying in V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

  The lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get there more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the trust of one another

• When the goose at the point of the V tires, it rotates back in the formtion, and another goose roates up and takes on the more difficult task of flying point so that the formation can continue on its way.

  The lesson: It makes sense for us to take turns doing the most demanding jobs, for the good of the whole "flock."

• The geese toward the back of the V formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed

  The lesson: It is extremely important to encourage other members of our team with positive "honking" so that we can all get where we are going.

• When a goose gets sick or wounded, two other geese fall out of formation and follow it down to lend help or protect it. They will stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly again or until it dies. Then and only then will the other two geese launch back out to catch up with their group.

  The lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stand by each other during the good times as well as the bad.

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