As the Geese Fly
2002 Boaz Rauchwerger
My mother had a great sense of humor. She taught me to look for things in life that tickle me. Do you find things in your life that tickle you? If not, this might be a good time to find out what you're missing. Being able to laugh is a valuable trait.
So, all seriousness aside, let me pose a question that my late sister Naomi (a very funny person) posed to me one day. She asked, "Why is it that when geese fly, in a V formation, that one side of the V is shorter than the other?"
Thinking this was a serious question, I pondered about a scientific explanation. When I gave up, Naomi said with a smile, "Because there are fewer geese on one side than the other."
Isn't life that way for so many people? They gravitate instantly toward the serious side. In reality, life can be a lot of fun when we look for things that tickle us.
But let's fly with the geese idea for a moment. They can teach us a valuable lesson. Stephanie Minnick in Indiana shared the following with me... When geese migrate long distances, they do so in groups. They do fly in a V formation. One goose takes the leadership role and flies in the front, at the point of the V. Because of the wind and the rain, that's the toughest position. Life is the same. Those in positions of leadership usually face the toughest challenges. However, like the leading goose, leaders usually get the best view. They also tend to get to their goals ahead of the crowd.
The goose V formation teaches us much about leadership and teamwork. Since geese usually fly great distances in one stretch, the leader tends to get tired. When that happens, he drops back. Another goose from the back comes up and takes the lead.
Throughout their journey, every goose helps out and takes a turn leading the flock. Without the strength of everyone working together, the geese would never make it by themselves. Sometimes a goose is injured or, for whatever other reason, has to land. Two other geese accompany that goose to the ground and make sure he's safe.
Nature teaches us incredible lessons through the actions of birds and animals. Their instincts seem so finely tuned. As in the case of the flying geese, their penchant for teamwork leads to successful journeys.
Let's imagine that life is like the flying V formation of the geese. Whether in your personal life or in your career, the lack of teamwork can hamper the success of the journey. When a husband and wife don't share the same attitude toward money (one is a spender and the other understands the value of savings), it's like one goose suddenly leaving the formation and not being replaced. The aerodynamic value of the V formation is compromised. The geese will either fly slower or split apart.
If you're a parent, are you showing your child, by example, that you're willing to lead? Are you willing, figuratively, to lead the V formation and weather the storms of life with a positive attitude? It's not what happens to us, but rather how we react to what happens that makes leaders.
As with the geese, teamwork is mainly a matter of putting egos aside and doing whatever it takes for the good of the team. What if, when the leading goose got tired, the replacement goose said, "You know, it's not my job to work so hard. I'll just stay back here and take advantage of the draft created by the other geese."
The team would be demoralized by the attitude of the negative goose. Secondly, that lack of a smooth transition could, through the confusion caused, jeopardize the entire journey.
In a work environment, going the extra mile, doing more than is expected of you, not only advances your career, but it also promotes teamwork. Napoleon Hill, in the book "Think and Grow Rich," states that the concept of going the extra mile is crucial to success.
Let's summarize what we can learn from the flight of the geese: Be willing to follow someone else's leadership. Be willing to lead when it's your turn. Promote teamwork with a positive attitude.
To what heights could you excel if you could focus your life as the geese fly? It's time to soar!
A Daily Teamwork Affirmation
I'm a great team player. I follow great leadership. I'm willing to lead with a positive attitude.
Article reproduced with permission from Boaz Rauchwerger. You may reprint any of these articles in any publication or Web site so long as you credit Boaz Rauchwerger as the author and include this Web site address, www.Boazpower.com.