You have seen birds charting the sky in synchronized patterns, often in a V-shape that shifts and swoops effortlessly. At the point of the “V” you’ll find the leader bird, whose role it is to reduce air resistance for the rest of the flock, so that followers can cruise in the aerodynamic wake, without burning as much energy.
Mesmeric as it is to watch, "drafting" — the technical term for the flight formation — could well be a case study for leadership in teams. As the lead bird fatigues, the formation rotates — and a new leader takes point. Repeat, repeat, and repeat. Everyone gets a chance to lead, even the weaker-winged.
Visibility is maximized by the V-shape alignment so that any shift to the formation ripples through the flock like a wave (Think: “Hawk! Hang left!”). Such a system protects the flock from predators and optimizes efficiency. By some accounts, drafting increases flying distance by 70% over solo expeditions; geese can soar 1,500 miles in 24 hours.
Here on the ground, we talk about systems and role clarity a lot; we pore over org charts and matrixed leadership arrangements like impossible problems we just might crack, one day. It is complicated, for sure. But let’s not forget the birds, and how much farther we can go, together.
Sincerely,
Nita Ahuja MD MBA FACS
Department of Surgery Chair