Five Lessons We Can Learn From Geese

As each goose flaps its wings it creates an uplift for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation the whole flock adds 71 percent of extra flying range.

Lesson #1: People who share a sense of COMMUNITY, can help each other get where they are going more easily... because they are traveling on the TRUST of one another.

When a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into "V" formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front.

Lesson #2: If we have as much sense as geese, we stay in formation with those HEADED where we want to go. We are willing to ACCEPT their help and GIVE our help to others...

When the lead goose tires, it drops back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

Lesson #3: It pays to TAKE TURNS doing the HARD tasks. We should RESPECT and PROTECT each other's unique arrangement of skills, capabilities, talents and resources.

The geese flying in formation HONK to encourage those up front to keep up with their speed.

Lesson #4: We need to make sure our honking is ENCOURAGING. In groups where there is encouragement, PRODUCTION is much greater. Individual empowerment results from results from QUALITY honking.

When a goose gets sick, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to HELP and PROTECT it.

Lesson #5: If we have as much sense as geese, we will STAND by each other in difficult times and when we are strong.

Honk, honk, honk...
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I sent the link to this inspirational video to my dear friend and colleague Shari. This is the reply I got from her: HONK!

Question: What does Shari's reply mean?

American English For Telephoning: Answering the Phone

 Click PLAY for sound

My phone is ringing. I pick it up and I hear:
“May I talk to Natasha Cooper?”
How do I say that it’s I?
"This is Natasha Cooper."
Or, most often, in the third person.
“This is she.” Or: “Speaking.”
And if the call is for someone else in the family?
“Just a moment.”
Wondering who’s calling?
“May I ask who’s calling?’
And what if the family member they are trying
to reach is out? Then I say:
“He (she) is not in right now.”
And ask if I can help.
“Is there something I can help you with?”
If not, I offer to take a message.
“Would you like to leave a message?”
When names are hard to understand, I ask
the caller to spell.
“Could you spell that for me?”
Didn’t catch something? No problem, I just ask to repeat.
“Could you repeat that, please?”
And I always make sure that I got it right.
“Let me read this back to you.”
Especially phone numbers.
“Let me double-check your phone number.”
Then I promise to pass on the message.
“I’ll give him (her) the message.”
Or:
“I’ll ask him (her) to call you.”
If the matter is urgent, I try to help out.
“You can call him (her) at work.”
And if the work number is not available, I offer their cell phone number.
“Would you like his (her) cell phone number?”
I bet I’d make a good receptionist.

© 2008 Natasha Cooper

Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Natasha Cooper, author of Power English System, helps international professionals and newcomers to America to succeed in the U.S. by learning American English and powerful communication skills. If you want tips on improving your English, then you’ll want to get Natasha’s F-R-E-E weekly Power English Minute E-zine by visiting www.englishskills.com.