Adapted from the work of Dr. Angeles
Arrien
Fact No.1
As each bird flaps its wings it creates an uplift for the bird
following, by flying in a "V" formation; the whole flock has
71% greater flying range than if the bird flew alone. Many of us
recognise that there is a lot we can do by ourselves, there is a lot we
can do with a colleague or partner, but the power of what we can get
done with a network group is quantum. The lesson from this fact - people
who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they
are going quicker and easier because they are travelling on the thrust
of one another.
Fact No.2
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag
and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into
formation to take an advantage of the lifting power of the bird
immediately in front. Lesson from this fact – if we have as much sense
as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we
want to go and be willing to accept their help, as well as give ours to
others who are looking for support.
Fact No.3
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation
and another goose flies at the point position – an invaluable lesson
for us to apply to all our group work. It pays to take turns doing the
hard tasks and sharing the leadership. With people, as with geese, we
are inter-dependent on each other's skills and capabilities and unique
arrangements of power and resources; no one person is right to lead in
all circumstances and at all times. Leaders need to learn to let go at
times, and others must feel comfortable in stepping forward – no false
modesty – no greed for power and position for its own sake.
Fact No.4
When a goose becomes ill or wounded or shot down, two geese move out
of formation and follow it down to help protect it. They stay with it
until it is able to fly again or dies, then they launch out together
with another formation or they catch up with their flock. Lesson – if
we have as much sense as geese, we, too, will stand by each other in
difficult times as well as when we are strong.
Fact No.5
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 from behind is encouragement and not something
else! In groups where there is great encouragement against great odds,
the production is much greater by the power of encouragement. The word
"courage" means to stand by one's heart, to stand by one's
core, to encourage someone else's core, to encourage someone else's
heart – that's the quality of honking.
Thoughts:
This article was given to me some time ago, but I have forgotten
where. If it is yours, please let me know so that I can give you the appropriate
accreditation. It tells us that we all need someone, sometime. We cannot
do it all by ourselves. If you are in business, as a manager or
director, it sometimes feels like you are expected to know all of the
answers. It might surprise you to know therefore that you probably do!
They are locked in your subconscious mind, down a disused Neural
Pathway. However, you sometimes need help in getting them back into your
conscious mind. This is when the services of a professional
coach can be most valuable.
If you would like some help in focusing your mind on a particular
issue, why don't you contact
me and together we will get your thoughts flying in formation.
Eric
Sutherland
Make the Connection |
