Rethinking Leadership Strategies: How are You Positioning Your Team for Growth?

Written by Tyler Head

I’m not a hunter, but many of my friends are. I know exactly when duck season is near, in full swing, or wrapping up—not from the calendar, but from observing my friend’s emotional arcs. They rise with anticipation, peak with elation, and dip into frustration as the season passes.

But today, I’m not here to talk about ducks or emotional arcs. Instead, I want to shift your attention to the way birds fly—specifically, the famous V formation we see when birds migrate south.

Most of us have heard the simple explanation: “They’re following the leader.” But there’s so much more to this story.

When birds fly in formation, it’s a masterpiece of natural and intentional coordination along with efficiency. Here’s what really happens:

• Energy Conservation: As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an updraft for the bird behind. By positioning themselves slightly back and to the side, the birds catch these currents, reducing their workload. The formation isn’t just about following; it’s about shared effort.
• Shared Leadership: No bird stays at the front forever. Leading is tiring, and each bird takes a turn, rotating to the back when it needs a rest. The whole flock benefits from this system of distributed leadership, ensuring no one bird burns out while others merely follow.
• Clear Vision: The V formation gives every bird a view of the flock. This isn’t just about direction—it’s about connection. Each bird can see, and be seen, creating a sense of cohesion and unity. They move as one, in rhythm, toward their shared purpose.

Now, think about your own organization. How are you positioning your team as you navigate change and growth? Are you at the front, doing all the heavy lifting? Or are you sharing the responsibility, allowing others to lead, contribute, and find their rhythm?

When leaders carry the entire burden themselves, teams often lose energy and clarity. But when leadership is shared, with team members empowered to step up, the entire organization moves more efficiently, with greater resilience and purpose.

So, I ask you—how are you positioning your team for sustainable growth? Are you flying in a way that elevates your people, shares the load, and keeps everyone aligned toward a common vision?

Let’s rethink leadership not just as a top-down directive but as a dynamic, collaborative process. After all, even nature knows we fly farther and stronger when we do it together.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts,

Tyler Head