Art of Teamwork: 7 Lessons that we Learn from Geese
Quote: great leaders don’t set out to be a leader. they set out to make a difference. it’s never about the rule always about goals.
Here are the seven lessons that we can learn from the geese.
1# Sharing Common Goals
As each goose flaps its wings it creates outlift an aerodynamic orientation that reduces air fraction, for the birds that follow. by flying in a V- formation the whole flock achieves a 70% greater flying range than each bird flew alone.
Lesson:
people who share a common direction can get where they are going Quicker and with less effort. because getting benefit from the momentum of the group moving around them. make sure your team is aligned toward a common goal.
2# Increasing Visibility
Flying in a V- formation. increases visibility. As each goose can see what is happening in front of them.
Lesson:
To make an organization visible in both org-chart directions.
having Top-down visibility enables leaders to stay connected with the edges of the organization to make better-informed decisions.
bottom-up visibility enables teams to see the bigger picture engages them, and empowers than to better align themselves with the organizational objectives.
if we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay informed joining those heading in the direction we want to go. a sense of community emerges with the will to work as a team. not only as it is more efficient but flocking together has better visibility of its surrounding.
3# Having the Humility to seek Help
when a goose fallout from formation, it suddenly feels like a fraction of flying alone. it then quickly adjusts its mistakes and moves back in the formation. to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds immediately in front of it.
Lesson:
be humble to admit the challenges we face and seek help as soon as we get stuck. this humility will enable you and your team to move faster and achieve more.
if we have the Sense of the goose, we will openly and confidentially acknowledge when we need help. and gratefully accept the support that is offered and we will fly to stay in the flock. so we can all go a longer distance with ease.
4# Empowering Others to Lead
when the lead goose in the front gets tired, it rotates Back in formation and allows another goose to take the leadership position.
Lesson:
empower others to also lead. micro-managing and keeping tight control will burn you out. it will also disengage and demotivate others around you.
people have unique skills, capabilities, and gifts to offer. give them autonomy, trust, and a chance to shine and you will be surprised by the outcomes.
5# Always recognize great work
The geese honk to recognize each other and encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson:
make sure we praise people and give them the recognition they deserve. lack of recognition is one of the main reasons team members are unsatisfied at work and quit. it’s very common for people’s efforts to go unnoticed by their peers. In a busy and fast-moving work environment. however, remembering to constantly provide recognition and encouragement is vital and it keeps the team motivated to achieve their goals.
6# Offering Support in challenging times
when a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation to follow it down to help and protect it. they stay with it until it dies or it is able to fly again. then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
Lessons:
standing by each other in difficult times. this is easy to always be a part of winning teams, but when things get difficult and people are facing challenges. that’s when your teammates need you the most.
if we have the Sense of a goose. we will stand by each other when things get rough. and we will willingly take the support and guidance that is offered.
7# Staying committed to the core value and purpose
that gives migration routes never varies. they use the same route year after year. even when the flock members change, the young learn the route from their parents. in the spring they will go back to the spot where they were born.
Lesson:
stay true to our core values and purpose. strategies tactics and products may change in order for an organization to remain agile. but great companies stick to their core value and purpose and preserve than with vigor.
if we have the sense of the goose. we will recover and regroup. and resume the formation with a greater team. heading in the direction that we want to go. and we will stick to the plan until we get succeed.
