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Over the years, studies have shown that there are a lot of lessons we can learn from geese when it comes to teamwork. As Rotarians, we too work as a member of a team so there are also things we can learn from geese: - Geese fly together, they share a common goal and direction
Geese fly in a perfect V formation. Studies have shown that flying in this way and using this kind of teamwork adds 71% more flying range for the geese than if they flew on their own. This is because as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an ‘uplift’ that reduces air friction for the birds that follow. What we can learn – people who share a common goal and direction can get where they are going much faster and much more efficiently by working together and supporting each other, because they benefit from the momentum of the group. - Geese stay in formation
Whenever a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly tries to get back in formation. The formation not only makes it easier for the birds to fly, but it increases a flock’s overall visibility too as well as their power to be seen. What we can learn – once you’ve established a good team, stay together and work together. Synergy cannot be created by a single person working in isolation, so it is important to stick together. A sense of community emerges from a willingness to work together as a team. Not only is it more efficient – but together you have better visibility of your surroundings and common goals. - Geese rotate roles, they encourage the leader and empower others to lead
Due to the lift created in the V formation, there is no-one creating any lift for the front goose. This leadership position can get tiring and exhaust even the strongest lead goose. To help avoid fatigue, the position of front goose rotates between all members of the flock. What we can do – it is important to share the load amongst team members. In a group there is often one person who will take the lead, by virtue of personality or position. It is important as a team to ensure that everyone in the group takes a turn at the leadership position. Doing this ensures everyone’s skills, talents, knowledge or experience are used and no single person fields all the hard work. In an effective team, it is everyone’s responsibility to function as both leader and supporter. - Geese are noisy birds, they recognise and support each other
Geese can be heard honking loudly while they fly. Scientists speculate that this honking is a way to communicate with and encourage the flock on their long flights. The geese in behind honk at the ones in the front, to encourage them to maintain their speed and keep flying towards their goal What we need to do – In a team or a group, it is vital that there is regular communication happening between your team members, but it is even more essential that part of that communication is in celebrating the progress of an individual or a team. Encouragement helps your team to be engaged, supportive and constantly moving towards success. - Leave no Goose behind, they stand by their flock in good times and bad
When a goose gets sick or wounded, two other geese drop out of formation and then follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with the goose until it dies or is able to fly again. Then they launch back up with another formation or to catch up with their flock. What we do – stand by each other in difficult times. It’s easy to always be part of winning teams, but when things get difficult and people are facing challenges, that is when your relevance as a teammate comes to the fore. - Geese maintain priorities, they stay committed to the team, their core values and purpose
Geese don’t alter their migration route significantly, they always return to the same areas on each flight. Their goal remains the same, move the flock from the North to the South to protect the flock from the cold or from South to North in the spring. As the goslings grow they learn from the older members of the flock and in doing so, maintain the purpose or goal of the flock, year after year. Our focus – stay true to your team’s core values and purpose. Strategies, tactics and projects may change in order for the organisation to remain agile and relevant, but great teams always stick to their core values and preserve them with pride. How good is it that we are members of a Rotary Club that has such a lot in common with geese!
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The Club had a great night this week at our Xmas in July function, with good food, great fellowship and a trivia competition. Our deepest appreciation to Di and Geoff Double for organising the night’s entertainment. A fantastic job indeed!
