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A mentor of mine once shared an analogy about leadership that I still remember today. It beautifully illustrates why collaboration is so important. Change is impossible to create on our own, and there are consequences to fooling ourselves into believing we can do it alone.

When geese make their long journeys, each one takes a turn at the front of the V formation. The lead goose breaks the resistance of the wind, making that position the most physically demanding. Eventually, the goose at the front will tire. Without another taking the lead, fatigue would force its flight to come to an early end.

By flying in a V, the journey becomes less physically demanding for all the geese. By taking turns at the front, the entire flock can travel much farther without the need to rest.

Knowing When to Fall Back

Being a leader is much the same. It is demanding and can drain you. None of us possess limitless resolve or willpower. We cannot be in more than one place at a given time, nor can we be experts in everything. All of us have strengths that can be depleted when placed under constant strain.

True change is demanding. It creates discomfort, and no matter how well received, there will always be resistance. The greater the change, the stronger the pull will be to revert to how things "were."

Sometimes, we may not even realize we are traveling against the wind. We can be caught off guard as a gust threatens to sap our resolve. In such moments, stepping back and allowing someone else to take the lead is essential for the journey to continue.

I remember developing a simple eye infection that forced me to confront this reality. I continued to lead the formation for my district even as the infection worsened, eventually landing me in the hospital. Had I taken the time to prioritize my health earlier, I likely could have avoided that hospital stay (and extra time away from the district).

Supporting Those Who Fall Out of Formation

Occasionally, our journey causes us to fall out of formation. When this happens, members of the flock break away to support the goose that has fallen behind. They stay with it until it is strong enough to rejoin the group.

There are times in our leadership when we must break from the flock for one reason or another. We may find ourselves in need of support, our strength having been overtaxed. This is not a sign of weakness, nor does it mean we have failed. Sometimes, resilience is the ability to recognize and accept when we need someone else to break the wind resistance in our lives.

When that eye infection put me in the hospital, I had to lean heavily on my building principal and the elementary literacy lead. Both reminded me—again and again—that I needed to rest, while also stepping up to oversee district operations. Their support gave me the time I needed to recover.

What’s Good for the Goose is Indeed Good for the Gander

In my leadership roles, I have always taken this analogy to heart. In my experiences with small school districts, it was easy to feel as though I had to stay at the head of the V. Since I could lead many aspects of school operations, I often fooled myself into thinking I was the one who needed to break the wind resistance.

When a school system fosters the leadership of all its members, however, everyone can travel much farther. This is even more true if we can put aside our egos and take turns at the lead. In our own lives, this mentality can help us stay aloft when our strength begins to wane.

A teacher once proposed an idea where all staff members would have the opportunity to lead committees on professional development days. Over time, this initiative empowered staff to develop solutions for challenges facing the district. This idea would create solutions to address issues such as bullying, school culture, and student interventions—demonstrating the power of shared leadership.

It’s important to remember that every member of the flock has an indispensable role to play. An effective leader recognizes the strengths of others, empowers them to grow, and has the courage to step back from the front of the formation.

As a leader, your strength will be tested, and needing help is not a sign of weakness or inadequacy. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your flock is allow another to fly at the front.

You may not realize how you have broken the wind resistance in someone else’s life, but know that you make a difference.

And when someone breaks the wind resistance in your life, remember that it's okay to accept their support.