Lessons from Geese was transcribed from a speech given by Angeles Arrien at the 1991 Organizational Development Network and was based on the work of Milton Olson.
Fact One: As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird following it. By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if it flew alone. That’s a fact. Seventy-one percent greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they’re going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the trust of one another.
Fact Two: Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go and be willing to accept their help, as well as give ours to others.
Fact Three: When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.
Lesson: it pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. With people as with geese, we are interdependent on each other’s skills and capabilities and unique alignments of gifts, talents, and resources.
Fact Four: The geese in a formation honk from behind to encourage those in front to keep up their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging and not something else. In groups where there is great encouragement against great odds, the production is much greater – the power of encouragement. At the center of encouragement is “courage,” and the root of courage is a Latin word that means “heart.” Maybe honking strengthens the heart.
Fact Five: When a goose gets sick, or 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 is either able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out on their own with another formation or catch up with the flock.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we too will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
Thought it was a great story to share on the power of teamwork, leadership and relationships. Know where you are headed. Communicate and always support with positive encouragement.
