Lessons From Mother Nature
By Leanne Crain
It is that time of year again. The time of year when the Canada Geese decide it's getting far too cold in Canada, and head off for their warmer winter destination. Watching a few flocks in flight yesterday made me think of an old lesson that a college professor told to me years ago.
After a quick search, I found it, and I want to share it with you today. Sure, I know, it's about geese. Here's the thing. Geese have figured out 5 basic, fundamental elements to team work. As usual, mother nature has it all figured out. These lessons are based on the work of Milton Olson, and the Lessons from Geese itself is from a speech by Angeles Arrien regarding that work.
"Lesson 1 - The Importance of Achieving Goals
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 percent extra to the flying range.
Outcome : When we have a sense of community and focus, we create trust and can help each other to achieve our goals.
Lesson 2 - The Importance of Team Work
When a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front.
Outcome : If we had as much sense as geese we would stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.
Lesson 3 - The Importance of Sharing
When a goose tires of flying up front it drops back into formation and another goose flies to the point position.
Outcome : It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks. We should respect and protect each other's unique arrangement of skills, capabilities, talents and resources.
Lesson 4 - The Importance of Empathy and Understanding
When a goose gets sick, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to the ground to help and protect it.
Outcome : If we have as much sense as geese we will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong.
Lesson 5 - The Importance of Encouragement
Geese flying in formation 'HONK' to encourage those up front to keep up with their speed.
Outcome : We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups and teams where there is encouragement, productivity is much greater. 'Individual empowerment results from quality honking'."
Enjoy this wonderful fall weather, and, next time you see a flock of geese fly overhead, remind yourself that the simple formation you see flying above you is an excellent example of what each team should strive for.
For more information on leadership and team work, please contact Gary
Gzik at ggzik@bizxcel.com
Leanne Crain is a Marketing Assistant for BizXcel. Her background is marketing and tourism, and she has over 12 years experience in the sales and marketing field.
