Three Canada Geese flew low down the river. The sight made the four of us freeze in anticipation. They were committed and it was only a matter of time before we would be able to hear the wind whistle through their locked wings as they dropped gracefully into our decoy spread.
“Take em” was followed by a volley of shots and two geese fell out of the sky. The dogs retrieved the downed waterfowl from the fast current and a good day of duck hunting just got better. Harvesting a Canada Goose can make a bad day of hunting good and a good day of hunting great.
Maybe it’s the low number of opportunities and the difficulty involved in getting a flock of geese to decoy. Or maybe it’s something deeper. Perhaps we hunters are jealous of the goose’s lifestyle and ultimately want to learn from their ways. Here are five traits of Canada Geese that you can implement in your life today.
1. Travel – Every year geese migrate south for the winter in search of warmer climates and abundant food sources. Some people might see this as an inconvenient life style, but I see it as the ultimate road trip. Too often humans get comfortable in their lifestyle and friends. Take a lesson from the Candada Goose, get out there, and see the world.
2. Team work – The Canada Goose is known for flying in a “V.” This formation significantly increases the efficiency of the entire gaggle allowing them to conserve energy while covering more ground. When the lead goose gets tired it falls back in formation giving a new goose the opportunity to lead.
3. Help others – When a goose becomes injured or tired and falls out of formation it is common that one or two of his friends will drop out to make sure he is ok and help as much as they can.
4. Recognize others – Canada Geese are known for their “honk” which serves as a reminder to the rest of the individual birds in the group that they are not alone. Perhaps its their version of “you can do it.”
5. Stick with what works – I’m a big believer in innovation and constantly look for ways to be more efficient. However, there are benefits to sticking with the fundamentals that worked in the past. Geese implement this strategy by sticking to very similar migration routes each year.
How Does This Apply to Business
Travel – Don’t be afraid to see the world. I am a firm believer that there is beauty in every place and I can learn something from every culture. Get out of your comfort zone and go on a road trip. Vacations can recharge your energy, teach you something new, and put life into perspective.
Team work – Nothing great has ever happened without the presence of a team, so surround yourself with successful people that share common goals and habits. In addition to teamwork, think about the fact that the lead goose eventually lets another goose lead. As a result making the group more efficient. Empower others and give them a chance to show what they can do.
Help others - Do you help others in need or do you leave them in the dust? Whom can you help at work? Whom can you help at home? Make the world better by helping others.
Recognizing others – Recognition can be a significant motivator. People want to know that their hard work is noticed and appreciated. Make a conscience effort to praise others and give credit where credit is due.
Stick to what works – Innovation is important because you don’t want to be the next Block Buster or Kodak. However, stick to the fundamentals that made you successful. If you are not sure what those fundamentals are pick out someone that is successful in your field. Figure out why they are successful. Try to replicate what they are doing, only better.
Until next time remember…you’re going to have to earn it.