Wild geese in the northern hemisphere head south in the winter, flying in a "V" formation. Science has discovered certain facts as to why they fly that why. These discoveries can also have important lessons for us:

FACT 1: When a goose flies out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone. It quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front of it.

LESSON 1: If we have as much common sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

FACT 2: When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation, and another goose flies to the point position.

LESSON 2: It is sensible to take turns doing the hard and demanding tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent of each others skills, capabilities, and unique arrangement of gifts, talents and resources.

FACT 3: The geese flying in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

LESSON 3: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek. We need to make sure our honking is encouraging and not discouraging.

FACT 4: When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two other to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their flock.

LESSON 4: If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as in good.