Growing up on the plains of Nebraska, we watched the annual migration of geese and Sandhills Cranes. They flew south in the fall and north in the spring. And there are radio lessons from a flock of geese that could help your station.
The familiar v-shaped flying pattern is an example of the power of teamwork. Geese fly in a flock because they have a codependent relationship. Their individual roles work together for the benefit of the team. In personality radio, I call this a For The Show mentality.
Like geese, shows depend on how the team interacts.
Building teamwork should be a part of everyday life. Scientists and animal behaviorists now believe that geese fly in the familiar “v” rotation for some very good reasons.
5 Lessons From A Flock Of Geese
- The Whole Is Greater Than the Parts. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates lift for the bird behind. By flying in a “V”, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than it would have flying alone.A well-cast radio show works together, making the whole greater than the sum of the parts. When you find the right combination, each individual succeeds because of the power of the show.
- With Us Or Against Us. When a goose falls out of formation, it feels the drag and resists trying to fly alone. Quickly, it gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front of it. Great radio shows work together. Feelings aren’t bruised as easily when it’s For The Show. But when personalities are more concerned about themselves, problems follow.
- Each Team Member Picks Up the Slack. When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose flies at the point position. Share the load. It Don’t be afraid to share responsibility. Each cast member has unique gifts, talents and skills. Make use of them.
- A Positive Attitude Makes a Huge Difference. Geese honk from behind to encourage those in front to keep up their speed. We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging, not discouraging. The Three Musketeers motto was All for One, One for All. Be your own biggest fans and keep it positive-always.
- Support Each Team Member, No Matter What. When a goose is sick or shot down, two geese drop out of formation to help and protect it. They stay until it is able to fly or dies. Then they find another flock, catch up with their own flock or start their own team. Successful shows protect and support one another, even to the point of turning mistakes into a positive. In fact, some of the most memorable moments happen because of a mistake.
Conclusion
An individual goose would never migrate alone. They would die. You don’t usually think of geese as intelligent, but wouldn’t we all be smarter if we apply these lessons to our shows?
This works for geese. It works for sports teams. And it applies to virtually all businesses.
You’re all in this together, as a family. Maybe a big, wacky, dysfunctional family at times, but still a family.
