0 0 Lessons From The Geese
fall02 Cathie Atkins-Kaplan
Fall is the time of year, where, in certain parts of the country, one can witness the regular migration of geese. There is an interdependence in the way geese function.  It is an awesome sight with some lessons to be learned.

Fact:  As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for the bird following.  By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 7l% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson:  People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

Fact:  Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone.  It quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the "lifting power" of the bird immediately in front.

Lesson:  If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go.

Fact:  When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.

Lesson:  It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership.  People, as with geese, are interdependent with each other.

Fact:  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 encouraging, not something less helpful.

Fact:  When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation to follow him down to help and protect him.  They stay with him until he is either able to fly again or dies.  Then they launch out on their own with another formation or catch up with their flock.

Lesson:  If we have as much sense as the geese, we will stand by each other.

Cathie Atkins-Kaplan, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies
Office of the Dean
College of Sciences  MC 4610
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA  92182-4610

Tel: (619) 594-5732
Fax: (619) 594-3590
e-mail:  catkins@sunstroke.sdsu.edu
http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/usp/marc/