Thoughts on Leadership - Round 3

Teamwork and Geese:

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an 'uplift' for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock flies 71% farther than any single bird could fly on its own.

Lesson - Each member of the team benefits from the others' presence

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. When the lead bird tires, it rotates back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

Lesson - It is important that the head of the team work as hard, or harder, than all the members of the team. This will provide an example of others to follow. And if that member of the team needs support or a "rest", then the other members of the team must be there to step into the leadership role.

The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson - Constant support and encouragement are essential in helping the team feel a sense of togetherness.

If a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese will drop out of formation and follow it down to help and 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 - Any member of the team who has troubles should never be left to handle them on their own. Supporting team members during difficult times is critical in helping them overcome challenges

"When working as a team, everyone must fly together. Then you will ALL soar above the rest." - anon (if you know where this quote came from please let me know and I will site it accordingly)

Teamwork can often be the most trying and difficult part of our daily work. It is also the most rewarding. I think we often fail to recognize that our entire lives are a result of teamwork. None of us will attain our goals and achieve success without the support of a team. There is a myth that we can exist on our own. That we can survive without assistance and that individual success is individual. We are all a result of a team of people teaching us and imparting advice and knowledge. No man is an island, as the saying goes. Although we may face individual challenges and overcome obstacles on our own, to do so is not in isolation. We are equipped with the ability to do so by others.

What if instead of approaching our lives as if it is every person for themselves, we approached it as if everything is for each other? What if every day you woke up you attempted the day as if it was with everyone around you? In the developing world the expression is often used that "it takes a village to raise a child". We are all apart of this village, we are all a goose in the 'V'. Approach everyone you encounter, everyone you work with and alongside, as if they are your teammate. In each of these interactions you will make each other better for having done so. You will learn new things and teach others.

The world is a far more surmountable obstacle when we believe in one another, when we trust in one another. We are all a team and the minute you realize it will be the minute you become more than yourself. We can learn a lot from Geese, but especially that no one is greater than a team.

Blog Action Day 2008: Poverty

Blog Action Day 2008 Poverty from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.

Very cool international call to action taking place October 15. Bloggers from around the world will unite to bring into focus Poverty as it affects us all. If you are a blogger then please take the opportunity to sign up your blog and join everyone in the discussion. This is the website for Blog Action Day. No matter what the topic of your blog is take this one day to let everyone know about Poverty and what they can do to help.