Lessons from Geese

When it comes to personal and professional development in a country where the ‘self-made-man’ (or woman) is often idolized, there is a tendency to think it’s all up to us. The phrase, ‘If it’s gonna be, it’s up to me’ characterizes the beliefs of many leaders I have worked with. They think that just by working harder, doing things themselves, they will be more effective and efficient in their careers, relationships, and in life. But is that true? Sometimes it sure feels like it. Relying on others to do what they’re supposed to, so we can accomplish what we’re supposed to can be frustrating. So instead of making sure we have the right people doing the right things, we often just do it ourselves, working harder and longer. It’s a sure recipe for leader burn-out. It’s at this point that nature can teach us some lessons in teamwork. Let’s look at how geese do it.
Lessons from Geese
The reason why geese fly in 'V' formation is because as each bird flaps its wings it creates an uplift for the one that follows it. This way the whole flock achieves an extra 71% flying range. Yes…you read that right-71%! When the lead goose tires it drifts back into the formation and another moves to the lead position so that they all benefit from the extra lift. It seems that nature has the perfect model. These birds are working better together than most human groups I have run into…. and they have brains the size of olives.
We innately seem to feel that the best way to succeed at things is simply to work hard at them. However, if we had as much sense as geese, we might understand that there are ways of using our energy to give us greater results which require very little effort. In their "V" formation, for example they put in 29% effort, and get 100% output. If they fly alone they put in 100% effort to get 100% out. But that 100% is dismal compared to the 100% they get flying as a team. I think you get the picture. They are able to expend less energy to get more distance. Because each goose shares the ‘loft’ load, they all get where they want to go using expending less energy.

The relationship between effort and effectiveness
Let’s apply this to people. If each team member was clear about his or her passion, mission, and vision in life and in their career, they would have an ‘innate’ sense of when their best efforts end and the best efforts of others begin. They would naturally pass the baton. Each team member feels the natural energy generated by his or her areas of giftedness, and the proverbial 29% energy expended generates 100% of productivity for the team. If, however, when people work outside of their natural areas of giftedness, the ratio of effort to effectiveness diminishes. This is where the relationship of effort to effectiveness breaks down. Working harder and expending more effort doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to be more effective. Effectiveness comes from a team of people (or geese) focused on doing what they are best ‘wired’ to do, and letting others do what they are best ‘wired’ to do.

The role of attitude and willingness
Let’s say that you are the coach of a football team and your star quarterback is injured. One of the nose guards, a player who has a great attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to win, comes up and offers to fill-in for the quarterback. He has a great team spirit and the willingness to do anything you want him to do, but he doesn’t have the talent or moves of a quarterback. As coach, if you put him in the quarterback position just because of his attitude and willingness…well you know where I’m going. It wouldn’t be a good move for either the team or for him. You’d thank him for his offer, but put in the back-up quarterback. A good attitude and willingness are great character traits. But they are most useful when applied to the deployment of one’s natural giftedness and position within the team.

Here’s the key
The strength of a team is only as strong as its weakest link. If you want ‘effortless efficiency’ within a team, then make sure you have the right people (chemistry) with the right gifts (competency) and the right attitude and willingness (character) on your team.