Learning from Geese

01/04/2008

Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means at the point of highest reality.
C.S. Lewis

Judith Evans, one of the Facilitators in the World Forum Global Leaders project, wants to close Global Leaders gatherings with a lesson from geese. With a series of dramatic slides she makes these points that originally appeared in 40 Tools for Cross-Functional Teams by Walter Michalski (Portland, OR: Productivity Press):

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird following. By flying in a 'V' formation, the whole flock adds 71% more to its flying range than if each bird flew alone. Lesson: Teammates who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier when they travel on shared power.
When the lead goose tires, 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 the leader's role.
In formation, the geese from behind honk to encourage those in front to keep up their speed. Lesson: Sometimes, team members need to hear a little honking.
Whenever a goose is sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation to help and protect it. They stay with it until it heals or dies. Lesson: Stand by one another in times of trouble.

More Adult Ideas on Staff Development

At the Working Forum for Teacher Educators in Auckland, New Zealand, April 30 - May 2, 2008, college instructors, independent trainers, and individuals in organizations responsible for staff training will explore ways to improve teacher education. The Forum will facilitate the sharing of techniques, objectives, philosophies, and perspectives among teacher educators from around the world to enable them to improve their effectiveness. Learn more and register today at the Working Forum For Teacher Educators.

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