Page 48 - Branch Leader Guide

Branch Leader Guide

Appendix – “Lessons from the Geese” – Effective Teamwork

Lessons From The Geese

by Dr. Robert McNeish

(People with disabilities, parents, staff,
businesses, etc., all need to work together.
Synergy is the concept that when we all work
together the end result is greater than if each
of us acts independently. There’s a great deal
to be learned from the teamwork shown in
Lessons from the Geese.)

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for
the bird following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% more flying
range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson: 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.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of
trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the
"lifting power" of the bird immediately in front.

Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will join in formations with those who
are headed where we want to go
.
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose
flies at the point position.

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