In the fall when you see geese heading south for the winter flying
along in the "V" formation, you might be interested in knowing what science has
discovered about why they fly that way. It has been
learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the
bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole
flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
People who are part of a team and share a common direction get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the trust of one another.
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag
and resistance of trying to go through it alone and quickly gets back into
formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
If we have as much sense as a goose, we will share information with those who are headed the same way we are going.
When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and
another goose takes over.
It pays to share leadership and take turns doing demanding jobs.
The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep their
speed.
Words of support and inspiration help energize those on the front line, helping them to keep pace in spite of the day-to-day pressures and fatigue.
Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded by a gunshot and falls
out, two geese fall out of the formation and follow the injured one to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or
until it dies, and only then they launch out on their own, or with another formation to
catch up with their group.
If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other when things get rough.
The next time you see a formation of geese, remember...
IT IS A REWARD, A CHALLENGE AND A PRIVILEGE to be a contributing
member of a TEAM.
Back to top
|
