I was sat at the weekend looking up into the sky when I saw a flock of geese cruise overhead. It reminded me of something I used to talk about in some of my keynote speeches a few years back.

I told a few of the team at i2i HQ who hadn’t heard of the 7 principles we can learn from geese and they loved it so I thought I’d share it with you, as you may not have heard this either.

If you have heard it, you’ll probably be using some, if not all, of the principles as they are so powerful and simple.

The next time a formation of geese fly above you, look up to the sky and you’ll know why they are special and how they’ve helped you.

So why are geese special and how do they help us in teams and as leaders?

Imagine working in a team who all look out for each other? Everyone contributes to the greater good and everyone pulls their weight. This is what geese do and here are 7 principles that we can learn from them.

1. Know The Goal
As geese flap their wings, they create an uplift for the bird that follows. By flying in a ‘V’ formation the whole flock add over 70% extra to the flying range. They reach their destination quicker and more effectively.

2. Team Work
If a goose drops out of the V formation, they instantly feel the drag and it becomes harder for them to fly solo. Instead, it drops inline with team mates and feels the benefit of the birds in front.

3. Sharing
When the goose at the front starts to feel tired, it will switch with another member of the flock to share the burden of the hard work. The flock is aware of each others strengths and uses them at the correct times.

4. Encouragement
The reason you look toward the sky when geese are overhead is due to their noise or their ‘honking’. This is sheer encouragement for the team. They fly as one, make noise as one and encourage their team to keep up together.

5. Empathy
If a goose is sick during their flight, two other geese drop out of the ‘V’ formation and fly down to the ground with it. They protect each other and work together.

6. Rest
Geese fly south for the winter. They know they need to rest and recover. It’s important to make the most of your downtime, charge the batteries and rest fully.

7. Survival
Larger flocks of geese usually inhabit areas where humans eat more geese. Smaller flocks of geese see less of a demand. If we stay flexible and small enough to react to our environment then we won’t be eaten up by the competition.

Let i2i help you bring these 7 principles alive and soon you and your team will be flying together ‘honking’ with encouragement and achieving your dreams as one team!

Contact i2i today – we know what’s needed to make dreams become a reality!

About The Author – Michael Finnigan

Michael Finnigan works with the world’s most famous businesses, helping them to understand how to unleash the power lying dormant within their people. Michael consults with corporate, public sector and sporting clients all over the world to lead and deliver positive change.

Michael’s work within elite sport includes clients in Premier League football, international cricket. He worked closely with Darren Clarke ahead of his victory at the Open Championship.

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