Penny Ashey would like to share this lesson from her recent course at Lebanon College.


"Lessons From Geese"

  1. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for others behind it. There is 71% more flying range in V-formation than flying alone.

    Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of common purpose can get there quicker.

  2. Whenever a goose flies out of formation, it quickly feels drag and tries to get back into position.

    Lesson: It’s harder to do something alone than together.

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

    Lesson: Shared leadership and interdependence gives us each a chance to lead us well as opportunities to rest.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.