With many corporate logos, much subliminal information is also expressed as well as an overt message. Have you ever noticed the Perry Wellness Center logo, for example? Its iconic "flying geese" are found on its corporate letterhead, business cards, and this website. You'll also find them arcing across the walls of the education center. Graphically pleasing, there is also a message in their presence at a recovery program.
Stuart Perry says that the geese serve as a reminder of the center's own philosophy. Based on the well-known "Lessons of the Geese," the flying geese logo is a motivating force for him and others.
"To see the geese reminds us of our daily concern and scope. The flying geese give us motivation to continue, and to accelerate positive actions for others," says Perry. Perry describes how a peer-run program such as Perry Wellness Center relies on the experiences of those who have also experienced difficulties and succeeds based on teamwork.
If you are unfamiliar with the Lessons of the Geese, read their five lessons below, and you will better understand wha Perry Wellness Center is all about:
FACT 1: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.
LESSON: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
FACT 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.
LESSON: If we have as much sense as a goose we stay in formation with those headed when we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.
FACT 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies to the point position.
LESSON: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skill, capabilities and unique arrangements or gifts, talents or resources.
FACT 4: The geese flying in the formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
LESSON: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.
FACT 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.
LESSON: It we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.
