Meg Burton | Cube | 4-minute read 

At the end of a recent leadership programme, a day spent exploring trust, psychological safety, communication, teamwork, feedback and coaching, I did what I often do when I want a message to land: I played a short video clip called “Lessons from Geese”. 

I first came across it back in 1995, on VHS of all things (yes, a proper video player, complete with the whir of the tape). It was a Video Arts production made by Saatchi & Saatchi, and over the years it’s been recreated in a few different forms. These days the version I reach for is Breakthrough Global’s “The Line of One.” 

I still remember the impact it had on me the first time I watched it, and all these years later, it still moves me. Here’s what all leaders can learn from Lessons from Geese.  

What is Lessons from Geese? 

It’s a three-minute film, set to music, telling the story of lessons from geese. It has five simple lessons and a genuinely powerful metaphor for teamwork and support. The ideas pre-date the 1995 commercial, with the leadership story being attributed to science teacher Dr Robert McNeish, who first told it around 1972. 

The film illustrates something geese do instinctively: the teamwork, encouragement, communication, trust and support they show when flying in formation to reach their destination. I know the concept isn’t scientific in any rigorous sense, and there are now several updated versions flying around with newer soundtracks. But the motivational core – trust, encouragement and teamwork – still resonates. Here are five lessons, and what I think they mean for us as leaders and teams. 

• Lesson one: Shared vision creates momentum 

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the birds flying behind it. Flying in a V formation adds an extra 70% to their flying range. 

When people share a vision and genuinely live their values, they help each other get where they’re going more easily, because they’re travelling on the trust of one another. A team pulling in the same direction moves faster and further than one individual. 

• Lesson two: Stay close to those heading your way 

When a goose falls out of formation, it feels the drag of flying solo and quickly moves back to catch the lifting power of the birds ahead. 

We should work collaboratively with those heading where we want to go and be ready to both give and accept support from each other. Staying connected to the right people, on the right journey, makes the road easier for everyone. 

• Lesson three: Share the hard tasks 

When the lead goose tires, it drops back into formation, and another goose takes the point position. 

It pays to take turns doing the difficult work. We need to respect and protect each other’s unique mix of skills, capabilities, talents and resources, rather than expecting the same person to lead every time. Being a strong, diligent leader means knowing when to delegate and let others help. 

• Lesson four: Encouragement is powerful 

Geese flying in formation honk from behind to encourage those at the front to keep going. 

We need to make sure we’re honking for our team (not literally). Outcomes are stronger where there’s support and encouragement built in, and individual empowerment is often simply the result of quality honking. Never underestimate what a well-timed honk (word of encouragement) can do for someone who’s doing the hard work. If you’re unsure how to do this, take a look at our blog on how to boost team wellbeing and performance.  

• Lesson five: Stand by each other 

When a goose gets sick or is injured, two other geese drop out of formation and follow it down, staying with it until it’s ready to fly again. 

Like geese, we should stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we’re strong. This means we celebrate success together and learn from challenges together. As a leader, this is where 1-2-1’s and regular catchups with your team can help you provide feedback, understand what’s going on inside and outside of work, and how you can support them. 

Where can I watch Lessons for Geese? 

If you haven’t seen it, it’s well worth the three minutes of your time. There’s a few versions to choose from: 

• For nostalgia: the original, slightly grainy Saatchi & Saatchi film with the original music: watch here 

• Breakthrough Global’s “The Line of One” (the modernised version I use): watch here 

• AoEC’s “Wisdom of Geese”: watch here 

Which leadership lesson will you take with you? 

What lessons from geese do you think you could apply in your leadership, with your teams? I’d love to hear which one resonates most with you, and why. 

If any of this has struck a chord, this is  exactly the kind of thing the team at Cube work on with leaders and teams every day. Whether you’re looking for one-to-one coaching, a leadership programme for your team, or just want to talk through a challenge you’re facing right now, we’d love to help. 

Get in touch today to find out how Cube’s leadership coaching or training could help you and your team fly further, together.