Do you think you can learn something from geese about teamwork? I think you will be surprised at some of the skills geese use which allows them to have great teamwork.
One of the most obvious is synergy. An old saying, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”, expresses the basic meaning of synergy. Have you ever noticed that geese fly in the shape of a V? One of the reasons they do this is because it enhances their flying range as much as 71% by flying in the form of a V verses flying alone. The current of air that is created by the head goose provides an automatic drift to the other geese. This allows the flock to be more energetically efficient and it makes it easier for geese to fly thousands of miles.
Geese exhibit excellent team work when they are flying. When the flock is flying and the lead goose gets tired, he can depend on another goose to take theguiding position,and the former shifts back in the formation. The geese are great about providing team support. They realize when you are the lead goose it takes more energy, so they make a noise know as a honk. This is their way of motivating, supporting, and encouraging the lead goose. This is their way of saying “you can do this”, “keep up the great job”, and “we are all supporting you. Perhaps it even gives the goose the boast of energy it needs.
When they are flying in the shape of a V it also allows them to have visual contact with each other and communicate with the geese close by. Having open and honest communication is important. There are times a goose might get hurt and it communicates to the geese nearby to let them know. The geese care about each other, so they will never let one goose go down alone. Usually two other geese will go down, so they can help the sick goose. The two geese provide protection, food and anything else the goose needs in order to get better. When the goose is strong enough the three geese make a V and fly until they meet up with a gaggle of geese flying.
Geese also make good guard animals. This was not anything I expected to find out about them. In some parts of the world they are stilled used as guard animals. Unlike a dog you cannot bribe them with a treat. In a threatening situation, geese stretch out their necks and make very loud honks. Geese have keener eyesight and hearingthan humans and will not miss a potential stranger intruding especially when it comes to protecting their female companion and their babies.
Another activity the geese do that is beneficial for the members on the team is they come together to form a larger group called a gaggle. This strength-in-numbers approach comes in handy when they are flying long distances. Geese not only guard and care for their own family, but other geese in their gaggle.
Geese are tremendously social animals and the relationships they form in a flock is amazing. The best traits geese are known for is being amicable, loyal, caring, and helpful.
What Geese Taught Us About Teamwork
- Team Synergy– Promote the concept of collective responsibility for reaching a
goal. Make sure individuals feel like they are an important part of the
team and that working as a team will allow them to accomplish more than they
could by themselves, with less effort.
- Focus on common goal – have a goal that everyone shares and a common directive. Pay attention to what the team is doing and if the team is getting inundated, get together as a team and figure out a plan.
- Good Interpersonal Skills – Being able to build good relationships is essential and your ability to work with others on the team is important. As you build strong relationships always think of what you can do to help the team not what the team can do to help you.
- Responsible – Take responsibility for your portion of the project and do the best you can do. Ask for help if you have exhausted all other resources.
- Positive – Always stay positive even when things get tough. Help your team mates visualize the thrill of the success you will have. Keep communication positive.
- Trusting – Trust your teammates and believe that they want to see the team succeed. If something happens that you don’t understand get together and talk with them. Promote and atmosphere of unity, trust and harmony.
- Meet Commitments – Make sure to keep you end of the deal. As a member of the team your contribution is important. If you can’t meet the commitment let your teammates know as soon as possible.
- Honesty- is always important to be honest even if you think it might upset someone. If you are not honest you will lose someone’s trust
- Empathy –Try to see things as if you were in the other person’s shoes. Do your best to understand their points of view. Reach out and assist a team mate that is struggling.
- Respect Others –You can disagree with the idea someone has without demeaning him or her personally. Respect the dignity of every human being on your team. Encourage, never blame or discourage others.
- Humble – You can take part of the credit, but make sure to share it and get credit to where credit is due.
- Supportive – Be there for your teammates. Help them succeed so the team can succeed. Share your knowledge and wisdom to help others grow and succeed. Reach out and assist a team mate that is struggling
- Flexible – Be willing to listen to what others think and be open to change. Encourage, as well as reward, the sharing of ideas, resources, skills, and knowledge throughout the team.
https://budbilanich.com/21-characteristics-of-great-team-players/ http://www.interestingfunfacts.com/cool-facts-about-goose.html#Guv8PBJBmOZcmDqw.99
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