So, what can we learn from flock of geese? There are three things you'll notice about every flock of geese. The first thing you'll notice is they always fly in a V formation. The second thing you'll notice is that there is temporary confusion from time to time as they are flying . A final thing you'll notice is that one leg of the V is always longer than the other.
Let's address the first thing first. Why do geese fly in a V formation? This is easy. A single goose, by him or herself, can only fly 60 to 70 miles a day. However, a flock of geese flying in the formation, can fly hundreds of miles a day. Here's why. When the lead goose moves his wings in a downward motion, he creates an updraft that the goose right behind him is riding on. As the second goose flaps its wings down on the updraft it creates an updraft for the one behind him and so on to the end of the V. However, if you think about what I said earlier, you realize that even in this formation, the lead goose could only fly 60 miles. Therefore the flock could only fly 60 miles if they didn't relieve each other every so often. That brings to light the second thing you notice, temporary confusion. As the one who's the leader gets winded, he turns the team over to the next goose. By doing this, the flock of geese fly hundreds of miles for a single goose could only fly 60.
Now that we've explained the first two things noticed, what is the reason one leg of the V is always longer than the other? It's simple, because geese can't count. As I mentioned before, the are clearly not the most intelligent creatures. Which tells me, the leadership is a very natural thing to do. Human beings, as relatively intelligent creatures, at least some of us, have a tendency to overthink leadership. If we would take a few lessons from geese, we would be a lot better off. The lead goose serves the rest of the geese by creating an updraft for them to make their job easier. As a leader, we would look pretty silly flapping our arms and telling people that we are doing this to make their job easier. However, there are many things we can do to accomplish that task. We can give them the tools they need to get the job done. We can give them the time they need to get the job done. We can give them the training they need to get the job done. We could listen to their needs and provide what they need to get the job done. Bottom line is that we as leaders are here to serve, not to be served.
The second lesson we can learn from these silly creatures is that every once in a while we need to give up the reins to be successful. And, goodness knows when it's time to turn over the lead to the next goose, we reasonably intelligent creatures hold onto the reins until we can't lift another finger. Michael Jordan got a lot of grief when he stepped away from the game of basketball the first time. But he, like the goose, realized that he needed to step away for a while. Many great athletes, like Michael, stepped away from the game, and then made successful comebacks. However, the comebacks never lasted as long as their initial run. As a leader, you need to ask yourself the question. How long am I going to be able to keep up this pace?l.
If you keep your life in balance, you can keep going a lot longer than you think. However, if you don't take some time away from the front of the flock every so often, your day will be done very soon.
Your turn will come to lead the flock., When it does, enjoy every second. Make sure you take a little time for yourself, so that you can give your team what they need.
Now, get off the bench, and get back in the game.
Have an amazing day,
Coach Papa
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