Anecdote Of The Week: What Are The Movements Of A Great Leader?

"One of the ways I measure a good leader is by assessing the strength of the number two person. Would the organization function if the leader was not present? Insecure leaders make it difficult for the number two person to grow to their full potential.

I have had the privilege of observing geese fly south for the winter. It is amazing to see them fly. It is majestic the way they fly so effortlessly. If you look closer at geese, you will find that there is an order, a science, in the way they position themselves when they fly. They fly in a "V" formation.

There is a scientific reason for this. Researchers found that as each goose flaps its wings, an updraft is created for the bird immediately following. Studies show that this "V" formation adds at least 71 percent greater power than if the birds had flown alone.

There really is benefit in doing thing together. The real beauty is not just the strength that they gain from each other in the "V" formation, but the lead geese on both sides of the "V" are encouraged by each other. The noise being made are geese cheering for the leaders to keep the faith and keep the speed. When the lead geese are tired, they rotate to the back of the "V" and others will assume the point position. It is truly remarkable to observe.

If one goose becomes ill or is shot and falls out of formation, two other geese will follow and nurture the goose hopefully to health. If the goose dies, they will form a new "V" formation and attempt to catch the original group. Wouldn't it be nice if people would function the same way?" -From, "Sankofa: Stories of Power, Hope, and Joy"