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Analogy of the Geese
Observation # 1:
In the fall when the winter ahead is still only hints in the air,
geese depart from Canada for southern environs in a dramatic
illustration of anticipation.
Learning : Despite the fact it is sunny and warm in September,
the flock recognizes and anticipates the arrival of December
freezing. Survival requires the abilities to anticipate future
needs on a regular basis and to consider both short-term and
long-term needs. What works today is no guarantee of
tomorrow's success. Geese never get complacent with the
comfort of today.
Observation # 2:
When the time arrives for the flock to depart from Canada
in the fall, every goose knows that if it does not or will
not to take off, it won't get the chance to see spring.
Learning: There is no free lunch. Unless your flock lives on
a government preserve, there is no free entitlement
guaranteeing your security. The modern day price of freedom
and empowerment is anxiety and accountability.
For leaders, it is immoral not to prepare your people
for these demands.
Observation # 3:
As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for the
birds in its wake. By flying a "V" formation, the whole flock
adds 71% greater flying range rather than if each bird flew
alone.
Learning: The "V" formation of geese demonstrates the
concept of "synergy". Simply put, it is the notion that one
plus one equals two plus or more than two. A flock of geese,
when properly aligned, is far more efficient and capable
than a collection of individuals. Like geese, we are
existentially responsible for our own performance, and we
must "choose" to "fly", but we do not have to choose to do
it alone.
Observation # 4:
Geese take turns leading the V-shape formation. When the
lead goose becomes tired it simply peels of the front and
tucks back into the rear of the formation. There it can take
a break and benefit from the aerodynamic advantage of the
uplifting current created by the birds' wings immediately
in front of it.
Learning: In order for every goose to be able to take the lead,
every goose has to be clear about the destination. The
direction is clearly established and every leader strives to
help to help get the flock there. Everyone contributes
leadership and "the leader" is simply the goose that is out in
front breaking the wind (a talent that many hierarchal managers
have already perfected).
Observation # 5:
Geese adjust there organizational structure to the task at hand.
Learning : The formation depends specifically on what results
they are out to accomplish at any particular time. For example,
when they have to migrate great distances they fly in wedge to
conserve energy. As they take off and land, they do it with
great honking waves. The formation and social architecture of
the flock remains flexible depending on the immediate task or
challenge in front of them. The organizational question is always
"What is the most, simple, elegant, efficient design that will
accomplish the task before us?"
Observation # 6:
Geese are great communicators, and feedback is constant.
Learning: Geese have the uncanny ability to decipher sophisticated
messages from the nuance of honking. Geese motivate each other
through constant encouragement. Geese alert each other to danger
and utilize honking to celebrate the day's success when they land
at the end of the day. Geese have developed the key attribute of
good communications - the acute ability and desire to listen to
one another.
Observation # 7:
When a member of a flock is sick or wounded, two geese drop out
of formation to support and protect it. They stay with the afflicted
until it dies or is able to fly once again. When ready to rejoin the
flock, they simply launch out with another formation or they work
together to catch up with their flock.
Learning: Teamwork means never allowing another team member to
fail. Any group is composed of people who are fallible human beings.
In order to create a "learning culture," where individuals and teams
are willing to take risks and try things differently, there must be an
atmosphere where mistakes are viewed as opportunities to learn.
In such a culture the team rallies around the individual experiencing
difficulty rather than abandon him.
Analogy of the Geese
Observation # 1:
In the fall when the winter ahead is still only hints in the air,
geese depart from Canada for southern environs in a dramatic
illustration of anticipation.
Learning : Despite the fact it is sunny and warm in September,
the flock recognizes and anticipates the arrival of December
freezing. Survival requires the abilities to anticipate future
needs on a regular basis and to consider both short-term and
long-term needs. What works today is no guarantee of
tomorrow's success. Geese never get complacent with the
comfort of today.
Observation # 2:
When the time arrives for the flock to depart from Canada
in the fall, every goose knows that if it does not or will
not to take off, it won't get the chance to see spring.
Learning: There is no free lunch. Unless your flock lives on
a government preserve, there is no free entitlement
guaranteeing your security. The modern day price of freedom
and empowerment is anxiety and accountability.
For leaders, it is immoral not to prepare your people
for these demands.
Observation # 3:
As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for the
birds in its wake. By flying a "V" formation, the whole flock
adds 71% greater flying range rather than if each bird flew
alone.
Learning: The "V" formation of geese demonstrates the
concept of "synergy". Simply put, it is the notion that one
plus one equals two plus or more than two. A flock of geese,
when properly aligned, is far more efficient and capable
than a collection of individuals. Like geese, we are
existentially responsible for our own performance, and we
must "choose" to "fly", but we do not have to choose to do
it alone.
Observation # 4:
Geese take turns leading the V-shape formation. When the
lead goose becomes tired it simply peels of the front and
tucks back into the rear of the formation. There it can take
a break and benefit from the aerodynamic advantage of the
uplifting current created by the birds' wings immediately
in front of it.
Learning: In order for every goose to be able to take the lead,
every goose has to be clear about the destination. The
direction is clearly established and every leader strives to
help to help get the flock there. Everyone contributes
leadership and "the leader" is simply the goose that is out in
front breaking the wind (a talent that many hierarchal managers
have already perfected).
Observation # 5:
Geese adjust there organizational structure to the task at hand.
Learning : The formation depends specifically on what results
they are out to accomplish at any particular time. For example,
when they have to migrate great distances they fly in wedge to
conserve energy. As they take off and land, they do it with
great honking waves. The formation and social architecture of
the flock remains flexible depending on the immediate task or
challenge in front of them. The organizational question is always
"What is the most, simple, elegant, efficient design that will
accomplish the task before us?"
Observation # 6:
Geese are great communicators, and feedback is constant.
Learning: Geese have the uncanny ability to decipher sophisticated
messages from the nuance of honking. Geese motivate each other
through constant encouragement. Geese alert each other to danger
and utilize honking to celebrate the day's success when they land
at the end of the day. Geese have developed the key attribute of
good communications - the acute ability and desire to listen to
one another.
Observation # 7:
When a member of a flock is sick or wounded, two geese drop out
of formation to support and protect it. They stay with the afflicted
until it dies or is able to fly once again. When ready to rejoin the
flock, they simply launch out with another formation or they work
together to catch up with their flock.
Learning: Teamwork means never allowing another team member to
fail. Any group is composed of people who are fallible human beings.
In order to create a "learning culture," where individuals and teams
are willing to take risks and try things differently, there must be an
atmosphere where mistakes are viewed as opportunities to learn.
In such a culture the team rallies around the individual experiencing
difficulty rather than abandon him.
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