The Nature Of The Geese
Transcribed from a speech given by Angeles Arrien at the 1991
Organizational Development Network.
Fact 1:
As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for the birds
that follow. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71%greater
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.
Fact 2:
When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and
resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take
advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those
headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help, and give
our help to others.
Fact 3:
When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and
another goose flies to the point position.
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership.
As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skills,
capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources.
Fact 4:
The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those in front to
keep up their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where
there is encouragement the production is greater. The power of encouragement
(to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of
others) is the quality of honking we seek.
Fact 5:
When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of
formation and follow it down to help or protect it. They stay with it until
it dies or is able to fly again. Then they launch out with another formation
or catch up with the flock.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in
difficult times as well as when we are strong.
Reprinted from New Dimensions, Spring, 1995.
