The Goose Lifestyle

Sometimes people in Slovak  use to say to themselves: „I am such a goose.“, and they don’t mean anything positive by that. Usually it means that you consider yourself for someone who is stupid.

But actually geese are everything but stupid! Geese are very smart creatures working together on one goal. They are team workers. And when you think of Fusion, it’s the same. We could experience and learn something from the “goose lifestyle” at our very first Slovak Fusion training. 

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Geese always fly in the shape of a „V“, as it allows at least 71% greater flying range.

When a goose in the lead gets tired, another goose takes over the position. 

Geese in the back will honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Just like geese we too are heading towards one goal. Though there are some who are leading the group it doesn’t mean it’s only their work. It cannot be! Therefore it’s important and healthy if we share information, plan, and evaluate. And we did it – through 1)eqquping our geese, even gosslings in specific skills like conducting, worskhops coordination; 2) preparing for the summer camps; 3) spending time together as one big Fusion, as well as local Fusion choirs.

I experienced such a joy sitting and listening to others within our team while they were sharing things they value in others. Sometimes I may feel lonely in work I’m doing, thinking that nobody knows what it takes (those self-pity moments!) It was super encouraging to hear that others noticed and are thankful. My belonging to that gaggle had just strenghtened and I realized that I can tell them when I don’t manage anymore. I see Terka, Laura, Richard and others who would start honking even louder or Janka or Ester who could take over.

Geese are very affectionate toward each other . If a goose falls sick or is wounded , a couple of other geese may drop out of formation to help and protect him. They will try to stay with the disabled goose until he dies or is able to fly again. They will then either fly together or join another formation to catch up with their group.

This is powerful! Sometimes the vision/specter of the goal can disable us to notice that some of us got hurt or wounded along the way. All of us had to ask the question: "Do we honor our team as much as the reason why we’re doing it?" I appreciate people who opened up and shared those things, those hurting moments. They actually created space for others to see their failure and possibility to ask for forgiveness.

The training was short but intensive. I’ve got back to my daily routine, and yet something has changed. Though I was one of the „trainers“  I could learn that it’s ok admitting my limits; it’s ok to change roles in the team and we need to fight for healthy and authentic relationships.

Fusion gaggle

Banska Bystrica team

Bratislava team

Fusion Slovakia team