What We Can Learn From Geese

Five Powerful Leadership Lessons from…Geese

December 3, 2020

If you've ever seen a flock of geese flying overhead, you've probably noticed their unique "V" formation. Information technology turns out, that the inherent nature of geese in flying has a lot to teach united states of america about leadership, connexion and teamwork.

READ ON for 5 ways geese teach us how to show upward, share vulnerability, take the lead, and care for ourselves and each other at work.

Fact #one: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow. Past flying together in one "V" germination, the whole flock adds 71% more than momentum than if each bird flew solitary. Lesson: There's power in unity when a group of people is working toward a shared goal. Great teams recognize and leverage the strengths of each private, which enables them to accomplish much more than if they were working alone.

Fact #2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly recognizes this and moves back into formation to accept advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of information technology. Lesson: When i squad member is struggling and non showing up equally a team histrion, in that location'southward a real risk of morale and productivity problems for the whole team. Quickly accost your concerns by inviting your team member into a collaborative dialogue and revisiting the teams' vision, values and goals. Explain how they contribute and why their role matters to the remainder of the team. Notice new opportunities to re-appoint them.

Fact #3: When the atomic number 82 goose tires, information technology rotates back into the formation and another goose flies into the leadership point position. Lesson: Information technology builds trust and conviction when team members have turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. Similar geese, a team is interdependent on each other's skills, capabilities and unique talents. By sharing responsibility and accountability, nosotros develop stronger, more connected teams.

Fact #4: Geese flying in formation honk to encourage those upward front to go on up their speed (this is my favorite geese fact!). Lesson: When's the last time you lot gave a shout-out or "honk" to your team? In teams where there is consistent encouragement and recognition, productivity is much greater. The ability of encouragement, i.e. to requite someone support, confidence, or hope, is the quality of "honking" that creates the culture of connection every squad desires.

Fact #5: When a goose gets ill or wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to back up, assist and protect. They stay until the goose dies or tin fly once again. And then, they launch a new formation or catch up with the flock. Lesson : The very best teams mirror the instinctive behaviors of geese and stand up by each other in difficult times, looking out for one another and caring securely about each other's well-being.

Patterns in nature tin teach u.s. a great deal nearly authentic leadership and connection. What information technology requires is mindfulness and paying attention. Go for a walk and look around ~ what insights can y'all find in nature that you lot want to emulate as a leader?

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"Lessons from Geese" was transcribed from a speech given past Angeles Arrien at the 1991 Organizational Development Network and is based on the work of Milton Olson.