LESSON OF THE GOOSE
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As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird behind it. By flying in a V-formation,the whole flock adds 71 percent more flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson - People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier when they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down. They stay with the goose to help and protect it until it is able to fly again or dies. Then they launch out with another formation to catch up with the flock.

Lesson - If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other.

Whenever a goose falls out of the formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

Lesson - We will get where we want to go much faster if we stay in formation with those who are headed in the same direction.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.

Lesson - It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership.

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

Lesson - We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging -- not something less than helpful.