I love geese, they are such beautiful birds. I love watching them fly in their V formation. It is so precise. And, for some reason, their honking overhead is comforting.
I have done some reading on Canadian Geese and found valuable lessons we can learn. A great article is by Bill Gosling and I love how he groups the lessons we can learn from them.
* Geese know that in the V formation the birds ahead provide lift for those behind enabling them to fly further together. One bird flying alone takes a lot more energy and they tire out quicker.
In human teams, when there is a common goal and everyone is working together, the job gets done quicker and more efficiently. If one member tries to do all of the work s/he will realize how much more work there is to do and the goal will not be so easily attainable.
* When one goose in the formation is hurt or has a problem, at least two other geese move out to help and protect it until it is ready to go back into formation.
In human teams, it is important for the team members to look out for one another. When one falls on hard times, reach out to help until s/he is back on their feet.
* The geese take turns leading. There is no lift provided for the leader in the front. This makes flying much harder. Taking turns enables them to rest.
Very often in human teams there is one who will just begin taking on the leadership role. While this is good, it is imperative that each team member takes a turn at leading. They learn what it takes to be a leader and it allows the current one leading to rest from the role. Alternating leadership roles also allows for new talents and gifts to come forward which can only help the team as a whole.
* Geese cheer each other on. I am sure you have heard them honking loudly as they fly overhead. The back geese are cheering those in front, encouraging them to fly strong.
Humans are not different. We need encouragement and praise. As a team member make sure to encourage one another and praise one another when a job is well done.
* Geese are loyal. They rarely change migration patterns. They have one goal – north to south and south to north. The goslings learn from the older geese thus keeping up the culture and pattern of migration.
The purpose of your team is not the only important aspect.
Teams have their own unique culture and patterns. Experienced team members need to bring the new members along helping them to understand the mission and the culture. Share your experiences with them and encourage them to learn from the other team members.
These lessons can be applied in our individual work with our colleagues in the workplace as well as in our personal lives.
Wouldn’t life and work be grand if we functioned more like those Canadian Geese? It is amazing what we can learn from the creatures of the earth.