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Writing, Walking and Learning from the Geese

Maya Angelou said “You can never be great at anything unless you love it”

I didn’t know I loved writing until I started blogging on Linked In. 365 days ago to be precise.

Last year I also published my first book. I have written about how hard it was for me to start writing and the inspiration my greatest mentor – my mother – provided.

Writing helped me connect the dots, discover a whole community of writers, gain from the wisdom of others. Writing helped me discover inspiration everywhere.

THERE IS A VILAGE OUT THERE FOR YOU ON LINKED IN

I discovered a whole community of writers who were there for each other. We work really well as a virtual team that is loosely connected by the plethora of ideas we write about. Sometimes a Linked In editor reaches out to us with a series and we all contribute.

To be honest, I sometimes read what influencers write but mostly look at what my writer friends contribute.

There is learning every day. We also laugh about trolls and exchange comments as we view each other’s posts. I look forward to my virtual writer friends and am so proud when their posts hit Pulse.

TAKE THE PLUNGE

That brings me to this advice for you.

I can only say if you are thinking of writing just jump in. That first blog post will get you moving.  You have no idea how fast time flies when you are having fun reading, writing and learning from others.

And thank you to all my fabulous writer friends and followers on Linked In. The Linked In editors were kind when they picked up my posts on Pulse.

If I didn’t write I wouldn’t discover the world out there and the new friends.

DON’T GIVE UP

There is no dearth of ideas or topics when you set your mind to it.

I flitted from my own practice of agile methodologies to my take on project management to my concept of great leadership to great teams to far off topics like my travels to India. In short write about what feels right.

My writer friends would comment and inspire me on to further topics.

WHY FLYING GEESE AND A WALKING GROUP CAN TEACH YOU A THING OR TWO

This brings me to flying geese and the friends in a walking group I joined.  I have discovered two more interesting communities that are so inspiring.

I observed the flying geese and admired their V formation. Often I see the geese flocking together behind their fearless leader as they cross a busy street. Everyone stops to see them. They look so purposeful and so sure of what they are doing.

My walking friends are equally inspiring. They are busy mothers, wives, career women who take the time to meet and walk.

There is friendship and there is a common ritual that involves learning, sharing as well as enjoying a brisk walk outside. Being outside with friends is a great feeling.

We even met some of the geese walking together. It was very touching seeing their community on the move.

On another walk, we took a picture of us standing together in a V formation.

The V is similar to the way you see geese fly.  Turns out geese do this for some really good reasons.

Speed and Accuracy – The V formation helps geese travel 71% faster. My walking friends have a different route and direction each time but we follow our leader.

You need to remember as a leader that your direction should be clear and should allow a team to work together.

Succession Plans – When the leader gets tired the leader goose falls in and a new leader takes over. We usually have a leader for our walk and also rotate this role.

Plan for succession and plan to have teams that can work without you.

Stay on The Team – There is usually greater resistance for geese trying to fly solo. This is why geese fall back into a V. During a walk we tend to stay together and not veer off for solo walks.

Remember your shared values and your team cohesion is what keeps your team motivated.

Geese support each other – When one falls sick, a few geese peel off and stay to support while the V formation continues on.

Support those around you in your teams. If they ask for help be there for them.

The grass was green. The sun was shining. There was a cool breeze blowing as we ended our walk. My friends and I chatted and laughed all the way. We decided we would continue to flock together for our walks like the geese. The day was beautiful and I remembered John Muir’s words.

I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. ~John Muir, 1913 from The Unpublished Journals of John Muir, 1938

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Rekha Narayan is an entrepreneur, a senior project manager, program manager, agile coach and the author of Idlis, Chai and Mango Lassi. You can connect with Rekha for your program/project management or agile coaching needs. You can follow and check out Rekha’s Linked In posts here

Rekha is a proud member of Publishers & Bloggers and Writers4Writers.

Interview with Siddharth Raghavan

Happy Feet members and their families like to share the excitement of walking. Our interview series begins with the first interview with youngest Happy Feet family member. Siddharth Raghavan is a diligent walker and motivator for his mom. He keeps a close eye on the miles walked and ensures that mom continues to walk everyday. He enjoys the challenges and wants to help his mom win it!


How it all started

What is new about walking?

People have been doing it for centuries if not more.

Why is it exciting all of a sudden?

No one cared when I walked before. I need to probably join a fitness club or something jazzy.

Why should I keep doing it everyday?

I have so many things to do. I don’t have time for this.

Is it really a new idea?

All these and other similar questions came to mind when we first discussed the idea of walking together each week. But the “always eager for new ideas” part of me wanted to give it a try. Friends are not just a shoulder to cry on but also someone to support when an idea is germinating. Especially if it is one that benefits self and others.

Happy Feet was the brainchild of two friends wanting to walk and talk together. More friends helped in picking a name, interesting routes and much much more.
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