Next fall, when you see Geese heading South for the Winter, flying along in V formation, you might consider what science has dis- covered as to why they fly that way: as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in V formation the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another. When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way we are. When the Head Goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs with people or with geese flying South. Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. What do we say when we honk from behind? Finally, and this is important, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshots and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly, or until it dies. Only then do they fly out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group. IF WE HAVE THE SENSE OF A GOOSE, WE WILL STAND BY EACH OTHER LIKE THAT. There are five lessons we can learn from geese- and use countless times in non-threatening and non-confrontational ways: People who share a common direction and sense of common purpose can get there more quickly. It is harder to do something alone than together. Shared leadership and interdependence give us each a chance to lead as well as an opportunity to rest. We need to make sure our 'honking' is encouraging, not discouraging. Stand by your colleagues in difficult times as well as in good. You really CAN learn a lot from a goose. - Author Unknown - (Actually, I've seen versions of this all over the web attributed to just about everybody. If this version belongs to you, please let me know.)