Photo by Jan-Niclas Aberle

Often the natural world points the way when it comes to displays of teamwork. Recently I heard something about the extent to which geese look after each other and it brought to mind some business and life lessons that are all too easy to forget:

1. When the journey is long, protect your energy and use the different strengths of the team

   The classic V formation of a skein of geese provides a way of letting the strongest members of the team strike out in front, preparing an easier way for those behind. As the geese at the front tire, others move in to take their place (a bit like a peloton in cycling) and the previous leaders drop back for a rest.

2. Leave no-one behind

   When one of their number is hurt or injured, their partner (they mate for life) and other family members go to ground with them until they are well enough to fly again. This is why you often see smaller groups of 3 or so geese. When the worst happens, no goose is ever left to die alone.

3. Lift your face to the sun

   As we know, geese migrate to warmer climes. For me, this is a reminder to seek out the “sunshine” both physically by getting outside in it whenever possible AND metaphorically by looking for the positive in every day

Picture by Alex Ortlieb

Here at Club Synergy, we develop relationships with our members based on these 5 principles. We wanted to share them with you as we think that they’re pretty good principles for any relationship…

1. When it feels like things are going well, let’s celebrate and learn from the good stuff.

2. When it feels like things are not working, let’s talk about it and sort it out. If it can’t be sorted, let’s part with grace.

3. The best place for egos is on the pages of Sigmund Freud textbooks.

4. Feedback is a gift. Sometimes it’s carefully gift-wrapped, sometimes handed over in a tatty carrier bag but always heartfelt and intended to be useful and/or beautiful.

5. Admitting you don’t know stuff takes courage, let’s make it easy for each other to be brave.