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It’s officially time to reappropriate the term “bird brain,” because, as it turns out, these feathered friends have a lot they can teach us.
Scientists have long been fascinated with the organization and innate knowledge of birds, and now that there is sufficient research on how and why they function as a group, particularly in the arduous task of migration, humans can learn a thing or two from our fellow animal.
Leadership and teamwork, especially, are things birds have almost perfected out of millennia of natural selection, so why not take some of those lessons for ourselves? Click through to see the surprising things flocks of birds can teach us.
Migratory birds fly in a clever V-formation. The front bird breaks up the wall of air that the flock flies into, sending a wake of swirling air behind that helps give a lift to the next bird, so that each bird in the V gets some help from the one in front of it.
By ensuring that everyone on your team is receiving help and helping others, you can create a self-sustaining system in which everyone can thrive.
After finding and showing the route as well as dealing with the head winds for a while, the leader of the flock drops back and another bird takes over so that they don’t burn out.
Only experienced birds, however, take turns doing most of the work. It’s important to know who in your team is skilled enough to take the lead at times.
While the birds in the front create a draft that helps the birds behind them, the birds in the middle and the back actually create an upward draft that propels the whole flock forward with less effort, thus helping the lead bird. So even the birds in the front rely on those flying as one unit behind them.
By flying in a V-formation, scientists estimate that a flock of birds can travel about 70% farther with the same amount of energy than if each bird flew alone, reports DickersonBakker. Birds know that they can reach their destination with less energy expended when they fly together in formation.
Just as flying in a flock in the same direction helps birds travel faster and more efficiently, teams who share a common goal will get there faster and with less effort as compared to individuals each working on their own.
The leader is entrusted with setting the pace for the whole flock. Though they might be the most skilled flyer, if they go too fast the flock will tire out and progress will be lost. If they go too slow, however, the flock creates less rift and it will require more time and effort to get to the destination. It's essential to establish the right speed.
As a leader, you have to set an achievable pace for your team that is not too fast so that people don’t burn out, and not too slow so that people don't lose momentum and motivation.
Sometimes birds fall out of formation, but they are quickly faced with the reality that it is much more difficult. Still, no other birds are responsible for ushering it back into formation. It’s a lesson the bird quickly learns alone.
Sometimes people in teams will drop out of the group to try to accomplish things on their own, and sometimes the best way for them to learn is to give them a chance to see for themselves that it's more efficient to be part of the team.
Birds fly in a V-formation instead of, say, single file because the shape enables each bird’s visibility. No matter where they are in the formation, every bird in the flock can see what’s in front of them.
No one moves ahead efficiently if they can’t see where they’re going. As such, teams don’t work well if only the leader can see the path forward and everyone else is just watching the backs of the people ahead of them. It’s important that everyone can see the big picture.
Geese honk when they fly in formation, but not when they’re alone, because they’re spurring each other on.
Maybe don’t honk at your team, but it’s important to give consistent encouragement and to keep the communication open and constant along the way.
Many birds move in flocks because there is safety in numbers. Individuals are less likely to be taken down by a predator when they're in a big group. Shared protection combined with shared responsibility is similarly essential for teamwork.
A larger group of birds has a better chance of spotting a potential threat than a single bird. Working together means there are more eyes looking out for mistakes and weak spots.
Leadership goes beyond the so-called "pecking order,” and instead is based on a bird’s ability to guide the way, even when guiding means handing over the reins. Birds know when to stand down, and how to be flexible in their hierarchy.
Empowering others to take a turn in leadership ensures that everyone takes on a part of the responsibility for the flock. Everyone has the ability to alert the others of dangers and opportunities, and can influence a change in direction when necessary. This shared leadership also ensures maximum participation.
When a bird senses predators or threatening conditions, they will send an unambiguous and rapid message to those around them. The message is then quickly disseminated throughout the group so that everyone can respond swiftly and accordingly.
There should be no hoarding of information or delays in communication when it comes to a team. For the most effective response to changes, you must have effective and crystal-clear communication.
Before embarking on their long and arduous journeys, birds will feed on special diets to put on useful fat that will provide enough energy for them to make it. Similarly, leaders must ensure that their team has all the right resources so that they can achieve their goals.
Migration is a difficult task, with physical stresses, food shortages, bad weather, predators, and more challenges along the way. But birds fly tirelessly until they reach their destination. As a leader, when things get tough it can be tempting to change destinations or abandon certain goals, but your willingness to keep moving forward despite obstacles will set the tone for your journey as a team.
Another way birds are efficient is by going with the natural flow of the seasons instead of trying to wrangle the elements in their favor. This way, they thrive despite changes in their environments.
It’s important to always consider the external factors outside of your team that may be influencing your work or results. Take advantage where you can, and huddle together like penguins to brave the harshest seasons.
Flying way up in the sky, and for great distances, is an immense task, especially when you’re leading a flock. But birds learn to trust themselves completely before they take off.
Natural leaders in the animal kingdom are the ones who are highly skilled. If you’re in a leadership position, trust that it’s because you have the abilities to lead the flock.
The old saying “birds of a feather flock together” means that people of similar type, interest, personality, taste, character, or some other distinctive attribute tend to be found together, like birds of the same feather. Invest in a group identity and let it fortify your bond.
This proverb speaks for itself when it comes to birds, but it’s also often true for people—those who arrive first have a better chance of success. Leaders show up early.
See also: Why the pigeon is the world's most misunderstood bird
Surprisingly useful lessons we can learn from flocks of birds
From teamwork to taking charge, feathered friends know a thing or two
LIFESTYLE Self-improvement
It’s officially time to reappropriate the term “bird brain,” because, as it turns out, these feathered friends have a lot they can teach us.
Scientists have long been fascinated with the organization and innate knowledge of birds, and now that there is sufficient research on how and why they function as a group, particularly in the arduous task of migration, humans can learn a thing or two from our fellow animal.
Leadership and teamwork, especially, are things birds have almost perfected out of millennia of natural selection, so why not take some of those lessons for ourselves? Click through to see the surprising things flocks of birds can teach us.