With autumn winds we’re sure to see geese flying south. Did you ever notice how geese always fly in a V-formation? There’s a reason for that. And did you ever notice how one side is a little bit longer than the other? There’s a reason for that, too. You see that side has more birds on it! (Sorry about that.)
They’re flying in a V-formation up to 50 percent further than they could going it alone. The “longer side” is due to dynamic adjustments, wind effects, and perception. The flock provides uplift for each other along with drag resistance in-formation for greater stamina. Geese also honk a lot to encourage the birds up front to keep up their speed. This seems like an apt metaphor for our broadcast operations.
Flying together we’ll manage the headwinds and dynamic shifts for greater stamina. Add some well-timed “honks” for inspiration rather than demoralizing squawks of disapproval and you have ‘birds of a feather who flock together.’
If you’re a radio or television manager who’s struggling to make budget, a personality who’s driven to achieve higher ratings, a sales manager who’s wrestling with attrition among advertisers and salespeople, or you’re a student who wonders about your future in the broadcast business, you may feel like you’re flying solo some days. Stay with me for a few paragraphs.
It’s evident that birds instinctively create a climate of community for all to thrive. If you’re a manager trying to hit profit goals, mutual understanding regarding expense control and joint striving regarding revenue generation will brighten your P&L. Your budget plan should be a social document built by the team, not the front office. If you’re an announcer, remember that every great show is due to your talent and the performance of your colleagues. We all need someone to draft off of on windy days.
Sales managers that lose customers and lose salespeople are dealing with a crisis of faith. Attrition is due to systemic erosion of belief in our medium and broadcasting as a career. Someone wiser than me said, “Never waste a good crisis.” Clients and advertising salespeople need a ‘tough bird’ to take them in the right direction. That’s leadership.
If you’re a communications major struggling to select your career path, think about the tenured broadcast pros that are reading this same article and longing to give you a shot. You want to fly high? Your attitude almost always determines your altitude in life.
One more thing about these mysterious creatures. They’re very protective of their own. Geese will attack people to protect their territory, their nest or their young. I was nearly upended on a bike ride when one goose decided I was too close to home.
If we look after the next generation of advertisers, staff members, and incoming talent as fervently as our feathered friends, we can all fly south for the winter…on vacation.
Mike O’Brien is a media consultant at O’Brien Betterment, LLC and a member of the WBA Education Committee. He can be reached at mike@obrienbetterment.com
