Learn from the Geese
Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 12:19 pm
Hi Guys!
Here's another one ...."Wisdom in the Wild"!
Learn from the Geese
Since the dawn of civilization man has learnt some of the best lessons in life, by observing nature and even more so from the behaviour of the birds and animals. Modern day behavioral scientists have relied upon, their findings through intense research and studies, and have found many a common link with that of human behaviour too, such as “The herding mentality, courtship rituals, combat techniques, territory protection and home building”.
Today HR professionals and training managers, employ some of these behavioral patterns and case studies in team building exercises, to motivate employees of companies towards enhancing their performance, as also to achieve common goals. ‘Learn from the Geese’ is one such case study, that has been widely circulated and has had its desired impact, on participants the world over. I wish to share it with you, hoping that we all can learn and benefit from it.
Fact 1
As each Goose flaps its wings, it creates a thrust (air lift) for the birds that follow. By flying in a ‘V’ formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range, than if each bird flew alone.
Learing:
People who share a common goal and a sense of belonging can, get to where they are going quicker and easier because, they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Fact 2
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.
Learning:
If we have as much sense as a Goose, we would stay in formation with those headed to where, we want to go. We should be willing to accept their help, and in turn give our help to others.
Fact 3
When the lead Goose tires, it joins back into the formation and another Goose takes its place, to head the formation and lead the way.
Learning:
It pays to take turns, to do the hard tasks by sharing leadership. As with Geese, people should be interdependent, on other’s skills, capabilities and resources.
Fact 4
The Geese flying in formation ‘honk’ to encourage each other and those up front, to keep up their speed and momentum.
Learning:
We too need to cheer and encourage each other. This motivates us towards better performance. The power of encouragement is the quality of ‘honking’ we seek, to do better than our best.
Fact 5
When a Goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two Geese drop out of the formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again or dies. They then launch out, with another formation or catch up with the flock.
Learning:
If we can only have as much sense and compassion as these Geese, we will definitely stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong.
Truly amazing isn’t it? Wisdom and lessons in life sometimes can be learnt and acquired by observation, be it man, animal, bird or for that matter nature itself. In other words be sensitive to your environment, for we are all created with a purpose, to live our lives in harmony and in commune with nature.
Cheers
Brihacharan
Here's another one ...."Wisdom in the Wild"!
Learn from the Geese
Since the dawn of civilization man has learnt some of the best lessons in life, by observing nature and even more so from the behaviour of the birds and animals. Modern day behavioral scientists have relied upon, their findings through intense research and studies, and have found many a common link with that of human behaviour too, such as “The herding mentality, courtship rituals, combat techniques, territory protection and home building”.
Today HR professionals and training managers, employ some of these behavioral patterns and case studies in team building exercises, to motivate employees of companies towards enhancing their performance, as also to achieve common goals. ‘Learn from the Geese’ is one such case study, that has been widely circulated and has had its desired impact, on participants the world over. I wish to share it with you, hoping that we all can learn and benefit from it.
Fact 1
As each Goose flaps its wings, it creates a thrust (air lift) for the birds that follow. By flying in a ‘V’ formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range, than if each bird flew alone.
Learing:
People who share a common goal and a sense of belonging can, get to where they are going quicker and easier because, they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
Fact 2
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.
Learning:
If we have as much sense as a Goose, we would stay in formation with those headed to where, we want to go. We should be willing to accept their help, and in turn give our help to others.
Fact 3
When the lead Goose tires, it joins back into the formation and another Goose takes its place, to head the formation and lead the way.
Learning:
It pays to take turns, to do the hard tasks by sharing leadership. As with Geese, people should be interdependent, on other’s skills, capabilities and resources.
Fact 4
The Geese flying in formation ‘honk’ to encourage each other and those up front, to keep up their speed and momentum.
Learning:
We too need to cheer and encourage each other. This motivates us towards better performance. The power of encouragement is the quality of ‘honking’ we seek, to do better than our best.
Fact 5
When a Goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two Geese drop out of the formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again or dies. They then launch out, with another formation or catch up with the flock.
Learning:
If we can only have as much sense and compassion as these Geese, we will definitely stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong.
Truly amazing isn’t it? Wisdom and lessons in life sometimes can be learnt and acquired by observation, be it man, animal, bird or for that matter nature itself. In other words be sensitive to your environment, for we are all created with a purpose, to live our lives in harmony and in commune with nature.
Cheers
Brihacharan
