Lessons from Geese

It's a wonderful autumn sight. Geese flying south in a 'V' formation. Did you know that as each bird flaps its wings it creates an up-lift for the bird immediately behind? This means that a flock can fly at least 71 per cent further than any bird flying solo.

Lesson 1: People who are part of a team, sharing a common goal, get where they are going faster because they trust each other.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation it feels the resistance of trying to go it alone, and so quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the flock.

Lesson 2: It is sensible to stay within the team -- for our wellbeing.

When the lead goose gets tired, he retires to the rear and allows another goose to take over.

Lesson 3: It pays to share leadership and take turns doing hard jobs.

The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up to speed.

Lesson 4: Encouragement and inspiration will energise leaders and help them to keep pace in the face of day-to-day pressures.

Finally, when a goose falls out because of sickness or gunshot wounds, two other geese fall out and stay with the injured one until it is either ready to fly or dead. They then launch out with another formation to catch up with their group.

Lesson 5: It makes sense to stay with each other when things get tough.

Christian living is about teamwork: trusting helping, sharing, encouraging and caring. Jesus wants us to be part of his team.

Based on work by Milton Olson and/or Ryugen Fisher and/or Robert McNeish and/or Angeles Arrien

Also quoted on p88 of The Unstoppable Church - A Pattern for the 21st Century
David Shearman: Published 1995 by Sovereign World, 160 pages, paperback

Jonathan Perkin
Deputy Rector of Ashtead.

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