The Sense of the Goose
Timeless teamwork wisdom 🪿 — first shared with me on a training course 23 years ago.
Why this still resonates: Every autumn we’re given a quiet masterclass in collaboration. Geese don’t just fly — they lift each other. This piece has stayed with me since that course because its lessons are simple, memorable, and useful in work, family, sport, and community. 🌅
🪿 Uplift in formation
In autumn, when you see geese heading south in a “V” formation, there’s science behind the shape. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately behind. By flying in formation, the flock can travel far further than if each bird flew alone.
Human parallel: shared direction and a sense of community help us go further, faster — and with less strain. 🤝
↩️ Rejoining the group
When a goose slips out of formation, it feels the drag and resistance of going it alone — and quickly returns to benefit from the lift of the bird ahead.
Human parallel: when we drift from our team or habits, it’s wise to realign with people heading the same way. 🧭
📣 Shared leadership & encouragement
When the lead goose tires, it rotates back and another takes the point. Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep the pace.
Human parallel: take turns doing the demanding jobs, and keep your “honking” encouraging, not critical. 💬
🕊️ Standing by the fallen
If a goose is sick or wounded and drops out, two others follow it down to help and protect. They stay until it can fly again or until it passes — then lift off to rejoin the flock.
Human parallel: the true test of a community is how it supports those who are struggling. ❤️
🚴♀️ Cycling note
We use this same wisdom when we ride as a group: rotate at the front, draft to save energy, look after the last rider, and regroup at key points. Like the geese, we go further together — smoother, safer, stronger. 🌤️
If we have the sense of a goose, we’ll choose formation over isolation, share the lead, encourage generously, and stand by one another — especially when it matters most.
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