HANDOUT
Lessons from Geese
What elements of this story are paralleled by the life of our community? Why?
What lesson – if any – can we take from this story for the life of our community and or the
life of the Church?
Honour others as geese do!
Lessons in Leadership
Each fall in North America people
observe huge formations of geese
heading south for the winter, flying along in a ‘V’ formation.
Over the years Scientists have discovered the ‘wisdom’ of the
geese in flying this way.
 As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird
immediately following. By flying in ‘V’ formation, the whole flock
adds 71 % greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.
Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they’re going
quicker and easier because they are travelling in the same direction and on the thrust of one another.
We need to continually reflect upon the direction of our community and how we support one another
in our sense of mission.
 When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and
resistance of trying to go it alone….and quickly gets back into
formation to take advantage of the ‘lifting power’!
Lesson: It we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those that share our
vision – are heading in the same direction as we are and will be willing to accept their help as well as
give ours to others.
 When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation
and another goose flies point.
Lesson: It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs. With people, as with geese, we are
interdependent on each other. Delegation and recognising the gifts within each member of the Board
are important for our effectiveness and example of Gospel Leadership.
 Geese 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 and not something else. As a
Board we are called to a mission of leadership that will be experienced by members of the school
community as challenging, supportive and affirming.
 When a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshots and falls out of
formation, two other geese fall
out with that
goose and follow it down to lend
help and
protection. They stay with that
fallen goose
until it is able to fly again or dies. Only then do they launch out on
their own, or with another formation, to catch up with their
group.
Lesson: If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other in difficult times as when we are
strong. As a Gospel community we will be especially known for how we stand in presence and
solidarity with those who are doing it tough – with the poor, the hurting, the broken and the
oppressed.
Attributed to Milton Olson
“Many miracles and wonders were being done through the apostles, and everyone was filled with
awe. All the believers continued together in close fellowship and shared their belongings with one
another. They would sell their property and possessions, and distribute the money among all,
according to what each one needed. Day by day they met as a group in the Temple, and they had
their meals together in their homes, eating with glad and humble hearts, praising God and enjoying
the good will of all the people.” Acts 2: 43-47