In this Dùthchas series, learning from the land, I reflect upon the geese that are migrating South from the Highlands this week, and how they share their load.
We often see the V-formation of the geese, the stronger one in front creating a windbreak for those behind, much like a cycling team. What you may not stop to notice is that every few minutes, the geese break formation to allow the next in line, or behind, to takeover. In the photo above, you can see two geese on the bottom left about to do just that.
The leader is constantly changing, in a rota, so that no one bird carries all the burden. Each bird shares the collective responsibility of reaching their destination, and as such, each shares the group's common vision and direction.
Like the migrating geese changing course for better weather, if we are working alone, the sole responsibility of the group on our shoulders, then we will burnout. We will never reach our goals. If, however, we share the burden of leadership; each taking a turn, talking, picking up the load, and learning to relinquish power and pass it on, the load is shared.
And the vision is more easily realised. Think of your own job: what tasks are you hoarding? What can you delegate, share? Is there mutual trust? A common, fluid vision? A common mistake about power is that it can't be shared. And yet sharing only increases one's effectiveness.
Be like the geese during change: share the load.
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