Lessons From Geese

[Guest guest]

5 Lessons from Geese

I think I've posted this before...but it's one of my favorites.

Lessons From Geese

Note: "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. It circulated to Outward Bound staff

throughout the United States.

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 quickly moves back into formation to

take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of

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 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 our 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 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.

Posted by

GrannyGreen

at

3:07 PM

0

comments

Labels:

geese