In leadership circles the flying geese are a symbol I would to share with you today. They represent a challenge and a lesson from nature that we may all benefit and learn from: Lesson 1: Fly Together It s truly a marvelous site to see a group of geese flying together in a perfect V formation. Research has shown that as each goose flaps its wings an intense uplift is created for the birds behind them. Further studies state that this teamwork adds 71% more flying range compared to a goose flying solo. Partnerships and teamwork rule the day. If you surround yourself with excellent people you re far more likely to succeed than if you attempt to go at it alone. Lesson 2: Stay in formation If you ve ever watched geese fly, you ve likely seen one fall out of formation. And when this happens the goose which has fallen away begins to struggle mightily until it manages to fight its way back into formation. Once you ve established a good team stay together and work together. Sure, times will get tough and you may become annoyed with one another from time to time but synergy cannot be created by a single person working in isolation. Lesson 3: Rotate While flying in V formation the lead goose eventually tires and rotates to the back of the pack to re-charge while another goose takes its place at the front. It s important to share the load amongst team members. Don't try to do it all yourself.
Lesson 4: Honk While it s not always possible to hear from the ground but geese are a noisy bunch when flying in a V formation. There are several theories as to why this happens. One theory is the geese honk to encourage each other while another theory hypothesizes the honking is used to communicate where each goose is. You know, hurry up pal (honk, honk) I m right on your feathers No matter the reason for the geese honking, it goes without saying that we should always communicate with one another, offering encouragement as needed. We should also have ways to communicate when something is not right. Remember listen, learn and lead! Lesson 5: Leave no Goose Behind Whenever a goose becomes unable to fly for whatever reason, two other geese fall out of formation and stay with their fallen comrade until hopefully, the impaired goose is able to fly. The best teams I ve ever been on were made of people who genuinely cared for each other and would always help each other out no matter the situation. It seems geese figured this out a long time ago. Ladies, Let's fly..let's fly together!
LESSONS FROM GEESE OFFICER INSTALLATION CEREMONY Will the following newly elected officers please step forward: President 1 st Vice President 2 nd Vice President 3 rd Vice President Secretary Corr Secretary Treasurer (Insert names/offices as appropriate for club officers) As officers of your club, you represent your members at the Arizona Federation of Republican Women and also have responsibilities to the National Federation of Republican Women. As club officers, you are charged with educating, recruiting, and advising others in your club as to the club and Federation activities and policies. As elected officers you are assuming not only your club duties, but a leadership role within your club but also in your community. Therefore, never forget you are setting an example: one which requires the best energy, integrity, and devotion of which you are capable.
In accepting this position, you are promising to exert every effort to conduct club or Federation activities that will attract new members from your community who believe in Republican principles and the programs of the Republican Party, the National Federation of Republican Women, and the Arizona Federation of Republican Women. To that end, I ask you to please raise your right hand and repeat after me your oath of office. I solemnly swear to uphold and enforce the governing bylaws of the (insert club name) Republican Women, the Arizona Federation of Republican Women and the National Federation of Republican Women. I promise to perform the duties of my office to the best of my ability. Thank you ladies, you may lower your hands. By the authority vested in me by the Arizona Federation of Republican Women and the National Federation of Republican Women, I declare you duly installed as the officers of the (insert club name) Republican Women. In conclusion, I would like to thank the (club name) Board for inviting me to be with you today and for the privilege of installing your incoming officers. As an officer in the Arizona Federation, I want to remind everyone that your state organization is always available to help both
clubs and individuals we are here for you so feel free to honk at me any time! Lastly, as a reminder of the lessons from geese and the acceptance of your responsibilities to the team, I have a flying goose pin for each of you which I hope you will wear with pride. Congratulations ladies and best wishes for a most successful term of office.