The Honk Of The Leader
DAVID F. PETERSON Firehouse.Com Contributor
In a short while the Canadian Geese that have wintered in warmer climates will be returning to their northern habitats. It is a sure
sign of spring and their incessant honking helps to trumpet their return. Animal scientists have found the reason for their honking
and it has much to do with not only their group dynamics but also leadership.
It can be observed that the geese fly in a characteristic "V" pattern with the front goose posing as the leader. Not only does this
lead goose dictate the direction of the flock but he also "cuts" the wind. The geese behind him actually draft from his lead thereby
conserving energy for their long flight. After some time the leader tires of the burden of cutting the wind, not to mention leading the
flock. At this time the leader fades back into the V formation and assumes a follower role only to be replaced by a new leader. The
new leader has reserved energy because of conserving energy during their flight. This is where the honking comes in!
Scientists have found the reason that the geese honk during flight is to support and encourage their present leader. It seems that
these migratory birds understand how important it is to support their leader. They innately know how important it is to provide
feedback to the leader as if to say "keep going, you are doing fine". The flock's encouragement through their honking actually
sustains the leader until that leader is replaced with a fresh leader. Perhaps another innate reason they support their leader is
because they know that they will be the leader soon enough and they will also need encouragement. Soon enough, they too, will
move up from a "honker" to the leader and this cycle repeats itself many times over during their bi-annual flights.
Maybe these geese understand the dynamics of leadership enough for us to emulate. It can be difficult and very trying to lead
others and feedback can be very important. Leaders need to know how things are going and if they are doing well. That is why
leaders need to be in touch with their employees and communicate with them. Without this feedback the leader may look behind
them one day and find there are no followers.
DAVID F. PETERSON Firehouse.Com Contributor
In a short while the Canadian Geese that have wintered in warmer climates will be returning to their northern habitats. It is a sure
sign of spring and their incessant honking helps to trumpet their return. Animal scientists have found the reason for their honking
and it has much to do with not only their group dynamics but also leadership.
It can be observed that the geese fly in a characteristic "V" pattern with the front goose posing as the leader. Not only does this
lead goose dictate the direction of the flock but he also "cuts" the wind. The geese behind him actually draft from his lead thereby
conserving energy for their long flight. After some time the leader tires of the burden of cutting the wind, not to mention leading the
flock. At this time the leader fades back into the V formation and assumes a follower role only to be replaced by a new leader. The
new leader has reserved energy because of conserving energy during their flight. This is where the honking comes in!
Scientists have found the reason that the geese honk during flight is to support and encourage their present leader. It seems that
these migratory birds understand how important it is to support their leader. They innately know how important it is to provide
feedback to the leader as if to say "keep going, you are doing fine". The flock's encouragement through their honking actually
sustains the leader until that leader is replaced with a fresh leader. Perhaps another innate reason they support their leader is
because they know that they will be the leader soon enough and they will also need encouragement. Soon enough, they too, will
move up from a "honker" to the leader and this cycle repeats itself many times over during their bi-annual flights.
Maybe these geese understand the dynamics of leadership enough for us to emulate. It can be difficult and very trying to lead
others and feedback can be very important. Leaders need to know how things are going and if they are doing well. That is why
leaders need to be in touch with their employees and communicate with them. Without this feedback the leader may look behind
them one day and find there are no followers.
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