By: Sandra Thompson, NFBPWC’s Immediate Past President  

As we approach our Biennial Conference, I would like to encourage all of you to consider running for an office or volunteering to serve as a committee chair or on a committee.  It is a wonderful way to serve our organization, but the personal rewards are even more rewarding. 

I am going to share a little story that I like to help encourage you to serve. 

LESSONS OF THE GEESE 

In the fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in the “V” formation, you might be interested in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly that way. It has been learned that as each bird flaps his wings it creates uplift to the bird immediately following.  

By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. 

Quite similar to people who are part of a team and share a common direction get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the trust of one another and lift one another along the way.  

Whenever a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go through it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the power of the flock. 

If we have as much sense a goose, we will stay in formation and share information with those who are headed in the same way that we are going.  

When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the formation and another goose takes over. 

It pays to share leadership and take turns doing hard jobs. 

The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. 

Words of support and inspiration help energize those on the front line helping them to keep pace in spite of the day-to-day pressures and fatigue. 

It is important that our honk is encouraging otherwise it’s just a ..well.. just honking. 

Finally when a goose gets sick or is wounded and falls out, two geese fall out of the formation and follow the injured one down to help and protect him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead. 

Then they launch out with another formation to catch up with their group. When one of us is down, it’s up to the others to stand by us in our time of trouble.  

If we have the sense of a goose, we’ll stand by each other when things get rough.  We will stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. 

The next time you see a formation of geese remember their message... That it is Indeed a Reward, a Challenge, and a Privilege to be a contributing member of a team!    Author unknown  

Lifelong, Leadership & Learning Report 

THREE LIFELONG LEADERSHIP & LEARNING WEBINARS 

FREE ~ Open to All  Registration Open! 

Via Zoom: April 23, May 28, June 25 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time (register for each event) 

Presented by Kathy Kelly, NFBPWC Vice President and Nancy Werner, NFBPWC Facilitator 

These facilitator-led education and training webinars build relevant personal and professional leadership skills to keep you current in the workplace, community, and the world.  Funded and sponsored by BPW/MD, these courses are updated versions of the Individual Development Program (IDP) that was offered to BPW members years ago.  NFBPWC's Lifelong Leadership & Learning (L3) Committee has worked hard to bring us these current modules. 

Tuesday, April 23: Business Etiquette – Representing Yourself and Your Organization Well - Provides guidelines and protocols used in business settings that include verbal and written communication, meetings and exhibiting a professional image. (Recording available upon request.)   

Tuesday, May 28: Setting Goals for Personal and Professional Success - No matter what your age or stage in your career, learn how to establish and create strategies to develop and break down a goal into executable steps. Register at:  https://nfbpwc.wildapricot.org/event-5708529 

Tuesday, June 25: Being an Effective Negotiator - Learn how to negotiate in every human interaction including dealing with difficult situations and people.  Negotiation theory, elements, techniques, and practice scenarios.  Negotiate your position, your salary, and your future with confidence.  Register at:  

https://nfbpwc.wildapricot.org/event-5708553