Leading Like Geese

Four Lessons about Spiritual Leadership

Suppose I told you that I thought one of the greatest lessons in Spiritual Leadership comes from a flock of geese. Would you think I’m crazy? Probably. But it’s true. As leaders of a Christian community, we can learn a lot from geese.

Someone (unknown) once said, “It is a fact that in the right formation, the lifting power of many wings can achieve twice the distance of any bird flying alone.”

As leaders of a Christian community, community and fellowship are central to what we believe, so flying alone isn’t an option. It’s death. From the geese, we learn four lessons about Spiritual Leadership.

1. In order to lead, you must first follow.

Christ is always the Head of Christian community. It doesn’t matter what type of Christian community you are a part of; Christ is always the head. A goose will not be allowed to lead a flock in formation unless it has first followed and learned the migration route.

2. Take turns leading.

Each of us, male and female, are created in the image of God. We are equal in value, differing only in gifts and maturity. When a goose tires of flying up front it drops back into formation and another goose flies to the front of the formation. Scientists who have studied geese have found that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an “uplift” for the bird immediately following. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds a least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. Like the geese, when we share common direction and a sense of community, we can get where we are going quicker and easier when we are in formation, working together. Like the geese, we should take turns leading as our spiritual gifts, education, and professional skills would guide. Shared ministry should be the norm. Individual talent, as impressive as it may be, will only be multiplied when that person joins forces with others.

3. Honk often.

Most people usually know when a flock of geese are nearby. They are incredibly loud. There are many theories behind why geese honk. One theory is that they honk to encourage one another. Another theory suggests that they honk to communicate where they are in formation. Whatever the real reason is, one thing is clear. The geese are communicating with one another. A lot. As Spiritual Leaders, we too should be communicating often with one another, offering encouragement, feedback, empowerment, and mutual accountability.

4. Flap your wings. This isn’t a free ride.

Even though scientists have realized that flying in a “V” formation adds at least 71% greater flying range over flying alone, the geese still have to flap their wings. Working together only allows them to travel farther, quicker, and easier. But they still have to flap their wings (work) in order to fly. Sure, they can coast for a while, but at some point they have to flap their wings or they will fall.  Like geese, being a spiritual leader requires work. Yes, working together makes that work much easier, and helps us get much closer to achieving our vision, but it requires work nonetheless.