As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift behind it. There is a 71% more flying range in a V-formation than flying alone.
LESSON: People who share a common direction and sense of common purpose can get there quicker.
Whenever a goose flies out of formation, it quickly feels the drag and tries to get back into position.
LESSON: It’s harder to do something alone than together.
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the head.
LESSON: Shared leadership and interdependence gives us each a chance to lead as well as
opportunities to rest.
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 is encouraging and not discouraging.
When a goose gets sick or wounded and falls, two geese fall out and stay with it until it revives or dies. Then they catch up or join another flock.
LESSON: Stand by your colleagues in difficult times as well as in good.