The V formation of Migrating Geese

California anthropologist, Angeles Arrien, draws some very important corporate and business principles from the study of migrating geese. We have all seen them flying in their familiar “V” formation. What can we learn from a flock of geese?

1) Each bird flaps his wings and creates an uplift for the birds behind. A bird has 71 % more flying range when flying in a “V” formation than when flying alone. The lesson is obvious. When we share a common purpose and direction, we can all get there quicker and with much less effort.

2) Whenever a goose gets out of formation, he immediately feels resistance in trying to go it alone. So he gets back into formation with others if he doesn’t want to be left behind. The lesson again is obvious. If we only had as much sense as a goose, we would stay in formation with others who are going the same way as we are. It’s much harder to get the job done when we are flying solo.

3) When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back into the formation and another goose flies on the point. The lesson? We all need each other, and everyone should share the harder jobs so we can all reach our goals together. Also, the geese in the formation honk from behind to encourage those in front to keep up their speed. What’s the lesson here? Well, if you honk at the leader, make sure you’re honking encouraging words and not discouragement.

4) Finally, and listen to this, when one of the geese is sick or wounded and falls out of the formation to the ground, two other geese will also fall out of formation to the ground, to remain with their fallen partner, until it either revives or dies. What a lesson! If men and women knew we stood together like that in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, there would be more people on our team sharing our vision!