It’s inspiring to look up at the sky and see a flock of birds flying together in a V formation.
The arrangement reflects not only the power of group dynamics and sticking together, but also the efficiency of the group.
The way the birds arrange themselves isn’t a mistake, it’s by design. Flying in a V formation allows the trailing birds to maximize the boost from the air flow and in turn, expend about 20% less energy than if they were flying alone.1
Each bird rides the uplift of the bird ahead to reduce drag and save energy. When the lead bird tires, it drops back and another takes point.
They go farther together because they rely on one another.
For us, the process of working together isn’t innate and automatic like it is for the birds. We have to work at it.
Think about getting assigned a big project at work with someone you don’t get along with. You have to find a way to set aside your differences and work together, right? Or consider the relationships in your life that aren’t as strong as you want them to be.
Your relationships, instead of frustrating you or holding you back, have the potential to help you soar higher and farther than you could have ever imagined.
You just have to fly alongside the right partners and use the right system for flying together.
https://www.science.org/content/article/why-birds-fly-v-formation