Over the years, I have been asked to speak on the topic of leadership numerous times, and as usual, I try to look to nature for examples. It is fitting that at this time of year, we see the perfect example of not just leadership but the equally important role that followership plays in every functioning organization, team and government.
For this example, we need not look any further than the skies above us, as the geese are embarking upon what is undoubtedly going to be a grueling and exhausting journey. This is a journey they make without contemplating their own individual needs any more than those of the group. It is, in fact, instinctual in nature, rooted in their purpose as they have known it their whole lives. So, they take to the skies with no guarantee of success or expectation of comfort.
Just as with any species, leadership roles are established. This is a simple, universal fact: Any time more than two are in a similar space, someone will lead and others will follow. The role of the leader is to know that their place in leadership, no matter how short or how long, is dependent on their ability to influence those around them for the greater good. What gets missed many times is the important role of the followers, as they hold the key to mutual success through their actions as much as, if not more than, those of the leader. And the journey begins.
Most understand the aerodynamics behind the formation in which geese fly. The leader is at the point, taking on the brunt of the headwinds, while those in succession fly tightly behind, benefiting from the airflow. Many are also aware that the leader does not maintain that position for the entire flight, as it would be physically impossible to do so for any great distance. They, in fact, take turns bearing the brunt of those headwinds throughout the journey, allowing for a rest cycle.
But here's the part that many miss, and that is the seemingly random noise that goes on throughout the flight, regardless of which bird is leading. The honking we hear has its own purpose. It is the call of encouragement from the followers to the leader. They are calling out, "We believe in you!" "You've got this!" "We won't let you fail!" Each time a new leader ascends to that lead role, those honks of encouragement remain. Maybe there are geese who are more popular or geese who are better suited for the leadership role, but in their world, none of that matters, just mutual success. I can't imagine a formation where the leader is doing their best to sustain their energy through the winds and storms as those following shout out negative honks like, "You suck!" "You don't know where you're going!" "We are never going to get there!"
I don't know a great deal, but I know this: Leadership is not easy, nor was it ever meant to be. Those who seek such roles should not do so under any illusion that it is anything short of a continual challenge. But as with any challenge, it brings with it a great deal of fulfillment, and anyone who has been given such an amazing opportunity will usually have no regrets. For the rest of us, let's be mindful of the impact we have on those who are in roles of leadership. Rather than trying to tear them down, let's work to build them up. Even if they are not the most popular bird or even fly in directions that you may not agree with, remember that you never know when you yourself may find yourself in that place of leadership, taking on those headwinds.
