Looking around at the world around us, we can always learn something even in the most unlikely of places. From observing the behaviour of geese, there is much we can learn from these beautiful animals about how to work well as a team.
In the Spring, geese head North for the Summer, or South in the Fall, they can be seen flying in a “V” shaped formation in the sky. There’s a good reason why they fly in this V-shape. Biological studies tell us that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following.
Just from observing the flight of geese, here are some good teamwork-related morals and life lessons that can be gleaned:
Bird Behaviour & Moral #1
By flying in “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
Related Moral: 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.
Bird Behaviour & Moral #2
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.
Related Moral: Sometimes, if we will stay in formation with those who are heading in the same direction as we are, it can make the journey easier.
Bird Behaviour & Moral #3
When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose flies lead.
Related Moral: When you work in a team, you can take turns doing hard jobs, so teamwork can help alleviate the stress on you and help you reach your destination faster whilst retaining more of your energy.
Bird Behaviour & Moral #4
The geese at the back of the formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Related Moral: If we’re behind someone else, what we say or honk can make a difference to the whole team spirit, so it’s worth giving encouraging honks every now and then to optimize your team’s chance of success.
References: http://www.noogenesis.com/pineapple/geese.html