Lessons from the Geese is a classic poem used in many leadership courses. Have you ever heard of it? What is interesting is that the man who is the author of this very insightful story is never properly credited.
It was written by Dr. Robert McNeish who is currently 84 years old and lives in Maryland. He was a science teacher and took the time to stop, look and listen to the lessons that the geese have to share with us all, and wrote them down in 1972.
I am totally brimming over with excitement and gratitude, because Dr. McNeish, has graciously given me permission to use this beautiful story in my next book which I had originally planned to publish in the spring of 2014, but I am now hoping to publish it in the fall of 2015.
I am including the first part of this story and have created a video below for you to watch in its entirety.
Next fall, when you see Geese heading South for the Winter, flying along in V formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way: as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in V formation the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
How many times do you see organizations that are flying in unison like this? Are they flying in V formation, or is everyone doing their own thing? Do you think that organizations can learn from the wisdom of geese? Can they learn to fly together and support one another so that they can get even further as a a team?
Here is the video with all the great lessons. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M_xuBlqsbI&feature=youtu.be
Sending sunshine,
Susanne