(n) state of being uncomplicated; freedom from pretense or guile; clarity of expression
(v) leadership; learning; change
(v) leadership; learning; change
lessons from geese
(adapted from the work of Milton Olson)
Lesson Five
When a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is either able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out on their own with another formation or catch up with the flock. If we have as much sense as geese, we too will stand by each other in times of need as well as when we are strong. Lesson One
Each bird in the formation creates an uplift for the birds following. By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each goose flew alone. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they're going quicker and more easily if they travel on the trust of one another and combine their strengths for the benefit of the team. Lesson Two
If a goose falls out of formation, it feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front. For any team to be effective, we need to be able to accept the help of others, as well as to give help to those around us. Everything we do, or don't do, has an impact on ourselves and others.Lesson Three
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back and another goose flies at the point position. It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. With people, as with geese, we are interdependent on each other's skills and capabilities and unique alignments of gifts, talents, and resources. We must let go at times and trust in our colleagues -- pushing ourselves beyond our limit means that a group with no leadership experience will be left to fend for themselves when we drop out of the sky!Lesson Four
Geese in a formation honk -- from behind in appreciation of those in front, from the front in encouragement to the others to keep up their speed, and generally in order to check on the others and to cheer. (Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles elaborate on this in their book, Gung Ho) People also find genuine encouragement, recognition, open communication and support to be motivating -- both enthusiasm and productivity are far greater than when these elements are missing or suspect.