Fact 1: As each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the
birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds
71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson 1: People who share a common direction and sense of
community can get where they are going quicker and easier because
they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Fact 2: 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 2: If we have as much common 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.
Fact 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation
and another goose flies to the point position.
Lesson 3: 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.
Fact 4: Geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson 4: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is
encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's
heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.
Fact 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it
down to help 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 5: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as
when we are strong.
The StoryBin
Sponsor Information.
What's New
StoryBin Help