This wisdom from the animal kingdom describes how we can come into greater Presence with each other. What does it mean when someone is there for you? How can we come into deeper relationship with each other? These inspiring observations from the lives of geese demonstrate effective teamwork, community, and leadership.
According to one source, “Lessons from the Geese” was written in 1972 by Dr. Robert McNeish of Baltimore for a lay sermon delivered at the Northminster Presbyterian Church. Before he became a school superintendent, he was a biology teacher. He enjoyed observing geese on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and there he picked up a flyer with interesting facts about geese. This wisdom has since been quoted by many speakers and has been translated into many languages. This piece has been attributed to other authors as well, and I cannot verify the original author.
Lessons From Geese
As each goose flaps its wings it creates an “uplift” for the birds that follows. 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 a community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
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 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.
When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the 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 others skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources.
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 is the quality of honking we seek.
When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down 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.