The goose is a fascinating creature: steadfast, brave, and loyal. The goose understands the importance of being a good follower and that the best followers make great leaders. When a goose is sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay until the sick member of the flock is able to fly again, or dies. Geese take care of their own. After caring for their ailing friend, they launch out, joining another formation or catching up with their own. Much like firefighters, they share a mission in life. Geese instinctively understand what is difficult for some humans to grasp: Two heads are better than one, and there is safety in numbers (freelancing is a thing).
As a relatively new fire officer, I know there is much to be learned both on and off the fireground. Effective leadership skills are crucial to a smoothly operating fire company. Firefighters are simply thrown into the job of company officer to sink or swim. It is difficult at best to go from coworker to supervisor overnight. To do so with little education or preparation can make for a long and difficult road for a newly promoted officer.
Why choose a goose as an example of leadership? What could a bird, considered by many to be a nuisance, teach fire service managers? What comparisons can be made between the goose and a good fire service leader? Let us begin by defining leadership.
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