
You have probably been outside and heard a loud honking noise that caused you to look skyward. And you see a beautiful blue sky with puffy white clouds, a flock of geese flying in a “V” formation migrating somewhere! Have you ever wondered why these beautiful birds do this? Candidly, I never gave it much thought until recently. But then one day I heard someone tell a story about the Canadian Geese, and their "V" formation flight.
Listening to the person tell the story, it mesmerized me. With each point that was made, I found myself thinking about the incredible lessons of teamwork riddled throughout the story. Of course the beauty of the world is amazing to look at, but how often do we think about what it can teach us? How about we take a minute to look into the story of the Canadian geese?
From the lead goose all the way to the back, each one flies slightly higher than the one behind it. Just enough to reduce wind resistance and provide a spiral of air to give some added lift to the geese behind them. Indeed the goose in the lead position exerts the most energy, and every goose benefits from the one in front of her. As a result of this process, a flock of geese can fly up to 1,500 miles each day if the weather permits. That's the distance from NYC to Dallas.
An effective leader aides their team by reducing the headwinds that they encounter in their professional role. Consider the sales team that runs into prospecting problems because they do not have a strong database to locate targeted organizations and contacts. Or, the operations leader that works to automate internal reports so the team can spend more time creating value for their clients. Like the geese in formation, these efforts enhance the efficiency of the team and enable better outcomes.
The “V” formation of the flock also allows the geese to look after one another while in flight. If a goose gets injured or exhausted and must fall out, two from the flock will follow the goose to the ground to be with her until they’re able to rejoin the flock.

What business leader doesn't recognize that their employees make-or-break their company reputation in the marketplace? Each employee plays an important role in the overall success of the organization, like links in a chain. On great teams, leaders and employees pull together and take interest in the wellbeing of their colleagues as a 24 hour person. If someone needs time off for healing, do the leaders and teammates help distribute the unattended workload? The team will come together to ensure the work gets done and deadlines are met. And, they check-in on their colleague to see if they need anything, until the can return to work. Like the geese, the team success is vested in each other.
As a middle manager in a large firm, I made a huge and consequential mistake. I fully expected to be terminated. When I met with the Division President, I will never forget his words to me. He said, “Ed, we don’t shoot our wounded here.” We talked about the matter at length, and he told me he remained invested in me as a person. He said that he still trusted me, and that his confidence in me was steadfast. At the end of the meeting he told me to devise a plan to correct the problem, and to meet with him every month to be accountable for sticking to the plan. I never forgot this act of caring and concern. He taught me an incredible lesson about leadership and he inspired me to be better.

When the leading goose becomes tired, she moves to the rear of the “V” and another goose takes over the first position. In business, everyone gets tired and deserves a break to rejuvenate themselves. Leaders must not only recognize this in their teammates, but also in themselves. They should set the right example. It is important that they develop their team to function effectively in their absence. It is the ineffective leader who can’t leave their role because things will fall apart if they are not present.
Now for the most important question. What’s with all the noisy honking made by the geese while they're traveling? The experts believe this is the way they encourage one another to keep going and stay the course. This is my favorite comparison to leadership and teamwork. Isn’t it the role of leaders to encourage their team, keeping their sites set on the purpose, mission and vision for the organization? The team that encourages one another is a sign of cohesion and team spirit.
We live in a fascinating world. It is wonderful to observe it and take in everything that it can teach us, just like the Canadian Geese!
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