Synergy or Bust
Over the years I have been asked by many, who do not have addiction problems, why the recovery program works. I know that you cannot explain the irrational mind of an addict, but I do try to help them understand how we treat our disease.
I usually respond by saying we are a group of people who came together around a "common problem and solution." If they want more I retell the story of Bill W's attendance at a celebration for the Battle of Gettysburg and his amazement at the healing taking place around a common cause. But the best way to explain our phenomena, the genius of our founding members, is to consider nature itself, which always proves that we are not alone and do better when we choose to live alongside others in community.
Consider the wonderful analogy below, and as you are reading drop in the word alcoholic in place of geese. As the geese take flight from the Canadian shoreline, they lift off from the water in squawking discourse. Yet, in a matter of seconds, a line begins to emerge from the mass of brown feathers. This line straightens, arches slightly, and then, as on cue, bends sharply to form a perfect V shape. Canada geese fly in V formation for a very pragmatic reason: a flock of geese flying in formation can move faster and maintain flight longer than any one goose flying alone. Synergy is a law of nature.
We have a lot to learn from these geese.
By flying in "V” formation, the whole flock ads at least 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.(People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.)
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. (If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are heading in the same as we are.)
When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. (It pays to take turns doing hard jobs, with people or with flying geese.)
These geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. (We need to be careful what we say when we honk from behind.)
Finally, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gunshot, and falls out, two geese fall out of formation and follow him down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and then they launch out on their own or with another formation until they catch up with their group. (If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other, protect one another and sometimes make new friends who seem to be going in our direction.)
Synergy is best explained as, 'One plus one equals more than two'. Today's world requires a critical mass of transformational leaders who will commit to creating a synergy of energy within their circle of influence so new level of social, economic, organizational and spiritual success can be reached. Synergy helps you realize the value of others, and secondly, encourages you to find the right people. Synergy is a dynamic form of leverage. Avoid using it, and end up working four times as hard for half the results. Use it and watch the results expand exponentially!
What I love about this analogy is that it explains how I am governed today by one purpose: helping my fellow-man. In order for me to survive, you must survive. This program of shared leadership, teachers us we are "trusted servants." The shared leadership of the geese demonstrates the shared leadership of recovery and its implications for all areas of our life are clear.
Margaret Mead knew this too. She was astonished at the power of turning a leadership model upside down and putting every day people in charge. Call New York today and they will ask you to resolve your problem on the local level by group conscious. Imagine what would happen to the geese if they did not put "principles before personalities" and allow the "squawking discourse" to quiet down for the larger purpose of flight and freedom.
Today I need to walk with others toward a common purpose and join another on their journey.
Personal Journal | Published June 8, 2012