Government Contractors? Time to Fly in a V Formation and Support Each Other
Neil McDonnell
Helping small businesses win federal contracts: AI Tools | Expert Guidance | Supportive Community
Times are tough for federal government contractors - everything seems to be changing and a little stressful.
That's when we should be coming together.
Small businesses selling to federal agencies can learn from geese.
Why Do Geese Fly in V Formation?
1. Energy Efficiency
The V formation reduces air resistance, allowing geese to conserve energy.
While the lead goose takes the brunt of the wind resistance, those behind benefit from the updraft created by the flapping wings.
This allows the flock to fly farther with less effort, as each bird takes advantage of the one in front.
2. Shared Leadership
When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates to the back and another goose takes its place at the front.
Rotating the leadership ensures that no one goose bears all the burden alone.
This demonstrates how teams can achieve long-term success by taking turns leading.
3. Honking for Encouragement
Geese in the back honk to encourage those in the front to keep up the pace.
This reinforces the idea that success is a group effort that comes from a team motivating, supporting and communicating with each other.
4. Helping Each Other
Geese are just like Army Rangers - never leave a fallen comrade behind.
If a goose gets injured or falls behind, two other geese drop out of formation and stay until it can fly again or dies.
Again, like Rangers, this highlights loyalty, support, and the importance of not leaving anyone behind.
Why This Matters to Small Business Government Contractors
In the federal market, small businesses don't have to go it alone - just like geese, we can support each other, take turns leading, and encourage one another.
That's why I'm hosting a virtual networking event on Monday, February 24th.
This even is about networking, collaboration, and mentorship, mirroring the geese's team-driven approach to success.
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Small Business Advocate * Entrepreneur * Small Business Investor
1 周Agreed Neil McDonnell, It is all about connecting people and helping everyone win.
Gina King, Consulting | CvCISO | Legal Consultant | Solutions Architecture | Auditor | Award-Winning professor | CvCISO | #GINAS non-profit Woman of the Year | IAM |Board x 3 | PMP, CSSBB, SAFe, Scrum
1 周Count me in!!
Organizational Strategist and Alignment Advisor | Marketplace Chaplain | Business & Life Coach | Author | Speaker | Minister | Redeemed
1 周Thank you for the encouraging post and analogy. We are in times where flying alone can be impacting and challenging. We can all learn from each other.
CEO @ Brave One Contract Agency | Elevator Installations, Lean Six Sigma
1 周I never gave much thought to geese, but I appreciate the article. You are correct in that like geese, we are flying into turbulence. I don't know what it will look like on the other side, but I am glad I am in construction and I know I can help as we go through this. Thank you for reminding us there are others going through the same thing.