Lessons from Geese

Nature is a fantastic teacher! We only have to heed its lessons.

Let’s look at some lessons we can learn from geese. As you read these facts, see how they apply not only to a flock of geese, but also to human teams, individuals who are working together to accomplish a goal - at work, at home, in sports, etc.

• As each goose flaps its wings it creates an “uplift” for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock has 70% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
• When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation.
• When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.
• The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those upfront to keep up their speed.
• When a goose gets sick, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again. Then, they join another formation or catch up with the flock.

How do these apply to human teams? (Maybe you can add to this list below.)

• People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are travelling on the thrust of one another.
• If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay information with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.
• It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skills, capabilities, and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, or resources.
• We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, performance is greater.
• We will stand by each other in difficult times.

What lessons from geese are being applied to the teams you are a part of? Do these points listed above sound like how your work team operates? What would be different at your workplace if there would be a culture where your team could thrive? What would be possible if the members of your team worked harmoniously together, as one? How would that affect the level of stress you experience? How would that affect other areas of your life?

Do you want your team to reach optimal performance? Schedule a free consultation with Louise to talk about the new program, Activating the Heart of Teams: Creating a Culture Where Teams Can Thrive.

Here’s to conquering stress.

With heart,

The Stress Experts