Next autumn, when you see geese heading south for winter , flying along in a V formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way.

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a V formation the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range than it would if each bird flew on its own.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

When the Head Goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Finally, and this is important, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshots and falls out of formation, two other geese will fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with that fallen goose until it is able to fly, or until it dies. Only then do they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with their own group.

There are five lessons we can learn from geese - and use countless times in non-threatening and non-confrontational ways:

1. People who share a common direction and sense of common purpose can get there much more quickly.

2. It is harder to do something alone than together.

3. Shared leadership and interdependance give us each a chance to lead as well as an opportunity to rest.

4. We need to make sure our 'honking' is encouraging, not discouraging.

5. Stand by your colleagues in difficult times as well as in good.