The 7 Principles Of Teamwork (From Geese)

Eagles remind us of bravery and freedom, and they are both very important, but eagles don’t remind us of teamwork. Eagles mate for life, but they are not “flock birds”. They don’t hang out with lots of other eagles. They don’t support other eagles either.

We think geese make better leaders, because you will hardly ever see a goose by itself. A flock is like a team, because one goose leads and the flock follows.

Lessons from Geese provides a perfect example of the importance of team work and how it can have a profound and powerful effect on any form of personal or business endeavor.

Geese take full advantage of the power of their group, sharing leadership responsibilities and flying in a structure that enables the flock to leverage the strength and power of its individual members, sometimes numbering into thousands.

It is said that the Geese can make an annual roundtrip journey of more than 5,000 miles at aspeed of 50mph or more.

It is essential to remember that team work happens inside and outside of business life when it is continually nurtured and encouraged.

When we use these 7 principles in our personal and business life it will help us to foster and encourage a level of passion and energy in ourselves, as well as those who are our friends, associates or team members.

1. As each goose flaps its wings it creates an UPLIFT for the birds that follow. By flying in a ‘V’ formation the whole flock adds 71 % extra to the flying range

Principle: The Importance of Achieving Goals

When we have a sense of community and focus, we create trust and can help each other to achieve our goals.

2. When a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front.

Principle: The Importance of Team Work

If we had as much sense as geese we would stay in formation with those headed where we want

to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

3. When a goose tires of flying up front it drops back into formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Principle: The Importance of Sharing

It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks. We should respect and protect each other’s unique arrangement of skills, capabilities, talents, and resources.

4. Geese flying in formation ‘HONK’ to encourage those up front to keep up with their speed.

Principle: The Importance of Encouragement 

We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups and teams where there is encouragement, production is much greater. Individual empowerment results from quality honking.

5. When a goose gets sick, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to the ground to help and protect it.

Principle: The Importance of Empathy and Understanding

 

If we have as much sense as geese we will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong.

6. Geese fly South for the winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Principle: The Importance of Rejuvenation

It is a reminder to take a break from the cold of winter and take a vacation to some place warm & sunny to rejuvenate ourselves.

7. The larger flocks of geese usually inhabit areas where geese eating for humans is more popular or in demand, and where there are smaller flocks of geese flying, there is usually smaller demand for geese, to be used for human food.

Principle: The Importance of Survival

Larger flocks of humans together may not always be as effective as smaller flocks who are able to maneuver much more quickly in life and business without being eaten up by the competition.

The geese don’t spend a millisecond thinking about the Team building & Leadership lessons they provide. They teach us that we can accomplish more when we work together as a team.

Individual talent, as impressive as it may be, will only be multiplied when that person joins forces with others.

So, the next time you see geese flying above, take a moment to remind yourself just how smart they are, and what we can learn from them. The geese teach us to work as a team, work together in unity, share the hard jobs when it comes to leading, and honk from behind to encourage others.

If we bond together and support each other.. If we make true the spirit of teamwork.. Regardless of our differences, we can rise to meet our challenge.

If we are aware of the feeling of sharing. Life Will Be Easier And The Passing Of Years More Fulfilling.

– Sompong Yusoontorn