Lessons learned from geese.

This blog is dedicated to Past International President Alice Wells. The notes are taken from her workshop, “Developing Others… Inspirational Leadership” at the Soroptimist International of the Americas convention in San Francisco.

Google images has plenty of pictures and quotes that support the premises Alice shared. The lessons from the geese theme makes a very good workshop on leadership and teamwork.

Lesson 1: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for others behind it. There is 70% more flying range in V-formation than in flying alone.

People who share a common direction and sense of purpose can get there more quickly.

Lesson 2: Whenever a goose flies out of formation, it feels drag, and tries to get back into position.

It’s harder to do something alone than together.

Lesson 3: When a lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies at the head.

Shared leadership and interdependence gives us each a chance to lead as well as an opportunity to rest.

Lesson 4: The geese flying in the rear of the formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Encouragement is motivating. We need to ensure our “honking” is encouraging

Lesson 5: When a goose gets sick or wounded or falls, two geese fall out and stay with it until it revives or dies. Then they catch up or join another flock

We may need help from time to time. We should stand by our colleagues in difficult times.

I think sometimes we need a reminder that we are not alone, we need to just turn our heads to see the support we give and get and together we are stronger.

Lessons of the geese: