Lessons We Can Learn From Geese
Author Unknown
Next fall when you see geese heading south for the winter... flying
along in V formation... you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way:
Fact 1:
As each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the birds
that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71%
greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson:
People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Fact 2:
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and
resistance of flying alone. It quick! ly moves back into formation to
take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in frontof it.
Lesson:
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.
Fact 3:
When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and
another goose flies to the point position.
Lesson:
It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skills,
capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources.
Fact 4:
The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to
keep up their speed.
Lesson:
We need to make sure honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.
Fact 5:
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 launch out with
another formation or catch up with the flock.
Lesson:
If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in
difficult times as well as when we are strong.
If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do
so, you are wasting your time on Earth. No matter what our station in life, we are here to serve, even if that sometimes means making the greatest sacrifice of all.
