Lessons from Geese

Angeles Arrien

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the birds that follow.  By flying in a "V" formation, the flock adds 70% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone. 

People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling together.

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.

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.

When the lead goose tires, it rotates back in the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership.  As with geese, people are interdependent and rely on each other's skills, capabilities and unique arrangement of gifts, talents and resources.

The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

We need to make sure our honking gives encouragement.  In groups where there are encouragement, the productivity is greater and relationships are strengthened.  The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and inspire that in another) is the quality of honking we seek.

When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, 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 set out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

Adapted from a speech at the 1991 Organizational Development Network conference and based on the work of Milton Olson.