Lesson 1: Fly with others

Have you ever considered geese as role models for leadership skills? Milton Olson, author of "Lessons from Geese," did. In his article he discusses five behaviors of geese during migration that can be translated into leadership principles for our lives.

Here is his first point: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for the bird following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if the bird flew alone.

Lesson 1

Olson then offers this lesson: "People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another."

Application

Are you part of a group of "people who share a common direction and sense of community"? One example takes place in a high school hallway right after the bell rings. Students pour out, jostling, shuffling (certainly not flying) down the hall, trying to get to the next class without being late. But observe the one student going in the opposite direction, bumped about by everyone he meets because there is no community around him to break trail for him.

As Christians struggling to live our faith, we feel like the student traveling in a different direction. It's not easy to stand up for our convictions against a crowd. That's why it's important to find a group flying in the same direction. The "uplift" effect is dramatic.

Leaders

Are you a leader? Leadership is a great responsibility, not something to be taken lightly. In what direction are you leading? Are you a leader by example, modeling behavior that witnesses to your Christian faith? Or do you put your faith aside in selecting your words, actions, and close relationships? Are you leading where those who are flapping behind you should want to fly?

Followers

Perhaps you are a follower. Most of us are. But you're not off the hook. You are still responsible for selecting a group that lives out the "common direction and sense of community" you wish to identify with. Some people believe you can be around a group of people without being like them, but history has proven that you will ultimately become like those with whom you most closely associate. God's Word predicts the same results ( Proverbs 24:1, 1 Corinthians 15:33, 2 Corinthians 6:14).

Christ's example

So what direction do we fly? Christ gives us membership in the community of the body of believers through our baptism and a common sense of direction. We are not our own; we have been bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:19). Because Christ has given his life for us, our direction is to live our lives for him.

Conclusion

While a Christ-centered direction and community may not be popular, "flying with others" who also seek to live their faith can add 71% to your flying range than if you fly alone.

Susan Bondow, MSW, member of St. Peter, Appleton, is a wife and mother of three. Susan has written Through The Looking Glass and Back with Pastor Paul Kelm and has a CD of original music, A Child Is Born.