Teamwork Like Geese
For those of you working as a team, perhaps we can learn something about teamwork from geese. As we have observed, geese fly in a “V” formation. It is reported by flying in formation, the whole flock of geese can add 71% greater flying range than if they were to fly on their own.
So with our teams, what does this tell us? Simply that as a group and by following the leaders, we will all be able to accomplish more than if we individually provided the same amount of effort. Like the goose who falls out of formation and suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone – we often struggle with obstacles and challenges that as a group would not even be a bump in the road.
Back to the geese – as the lead goose tires, it shifts back into formation and another takes the point position. Likewise in our teams, we each my have different skills. Those skills allow us to easily handle tasks which others may struggle with. In doing so, the entire group move faster and easier than if we individually were to handle each and every task ourselves. For those stepping out or in front to handle tasks, we can encourage and support them in their duties. When our turn comes, we certainly will appreciate the support of all the individuals behind us.
Should a goose become sick or wounded, two other geese will drop out of formation to assist with protecting the single goose. They are available for support until the goose gets better or dies. They then join another available formation or strike out on their own until they can find another formation. Do we as team members come to the aide of someone who is having challenges? Perhaps all they need is a little suppport or guidance to become a fully functioning team member again. Should we ignore them and allow them to struggle for long on their own, most likely they will fall away and the team will lose a member.
Lessons are available to be learned here. Will we as team members stand together in challenging times as well as those times in which the going is much easier? We should all follow the lead of the geese and fly in formation when performing our duties, as well as fall back and support members who may require a bit of extra support when that happens.