If you ever needed a testimony on how teamwork can help each person in a group, you've got to read this. It shows how teamwork lightens each person's load and makes each man's job easier. Teamwork doesn't diminish anyone and the team leader should feel relieved, when he or she chooses to rest for a while, as others work.
By all means, take a look at this true lesson that we can learn from watching geese fly south each year!
The next time that you see geese migrating to a warmer climate for the winter, note that they fly in a "V" formation. You might be interested in knowing why. By flying in a "V" formation, the entire flock increases its flight efficiency by 71 percent compared to just one bird flying alone.
Lesson 1: Sharing the same goal and working as a team, gets us to the destination faster and easier. By helping one another, the accomplishments are greater!
When a goose leaves the formation, it feels the resistance of the air and the difficulties of flying alone. The goose will quickly return to the formation to take advantage of the flock's power ahead of it.
Lesson 2: There's strength in numbers – by staying in tune and united beside those who are going in the same direction, the effort will be less. It will be easier to reach the goal, and everyone will be inclined to accept and provide help.
When the lead goose gets tired, it goes to the end of the "V" formation; while another goose moves to the front.
Lesson 3: In order to share leadership, there must be mutual respect between everyone involved at all times. As we share the hardest problems and tasks; as we gather our abilities and combine our gifts, talents and resources, everyone wins.
As they fly in a "V" formation, the geese honk to encourage the ones in the front. In that way, they maintain their speed.
Lesson 4: When there is courage and encouragement, the progress is greater. A timely word of encouragement always motivates; it helps and strengthens us; and it definitely produces the best results.
When a goose gets sick, is injured or gets tired and must leave the formation; other geese will leave the formation too, and they fly with the sick or injured goose for purposes of assistance and protection. They will remain with the goose until it dies or it's able to fly again. The geese will either return to their flock or form another "V" formation.
Lesson 5: Let's stay beside each other no matter what the differences; especially in times of difficulty and great challenges. If we bond together and support each other; if we make true the spirit of teamwork; regardless of our differences, we can rise to meet our challenges.
If we understand the real value of friendship; if we share, rather than always looking for "what's in it for me" we all benefit.
Life will be easier; and the passing of years more fulfilling. My friends, let's learn from the teamwork story of the geese! Let's learn that T-ogether E-ach A-chieves M-ore.
The scriptures remind us in the 23rd Psalm, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, and He leadeth me beside the still waters."
Doesn't that sound like a place to forget about all of your troubles, and to lean and depend on Jesus? It's also an excellent idea to lean and depend on others as you work together in an extremely dynamic teamwork environment.
Lyndia Grant is a member of the Les Brown Platinum Speakers Bureau; she is a public relations guru; event planner and fundraiser. Visit her website at www.lyndiagrant.com, send emails to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 202 518 3192.
