The Rebel Goose: Why Great Leaders Don’t Always Follow the Flock

In perfect formation, geese demonstrate the strength of leadership and teamwork in flight.

Written by Janice Lo

Leadership lessons often highlight the power of teamwork, shared responsibility, and the well-coordinated effort of a group. The classic “geese in V-formation” metaphor is a staple in leadership training—symbolizing collaboration, efficiency, and support.

But what about the geese that break away?

Not every goose stays in formation. Some leave the flock, navigate solo, or even form smaller, adaptive groups. These “rebel geese” are rarely talked about, but they embody a different kind of leadership—one that challenges norms, takes risks, and leads by pioneering new paths.

In a world where innovation is crucial and industries are disrupted overnight, leadership isn’t just about following best practices—it’s about knowing when to step away from the pack.

The Cost of Always Following the Flock

Flying in formation has its benefits—less energy is wasted, the group moves efficiently, and no single goose carries the burden of leadership for too long. But there’s a downside:

• The flock follows a predetermined route. What if conditions have changed? What if a new, more efficient route exists?

• The pace is set by the group. Some geese may be capable of faster, more agile movement, but they are bound by the collective speed.

• Following the flock can mean ignoring personal needs. If a goose is sick, injured, or needs a break, it’s expected to keep going—or drop out entirely.

  
  

The same applies to leadership in organizations. Sticking to the traditional path may feel safe, but it can lead to missed opportunities, stagnation, and failure to adapt.

The Rebel Goose: A Different Kind of Leadership

Some geese break away from the flock for a variety of reasons—injury, instinct, or the search for better conditions. While this may seem like a weakness, it can actually be a form of innovation.

Imagine a goose that decides the main migration route is too dangerous due to storms ahead. Instead of blindly following, it charts a new course, finds an untapped food source, or even discovers a more efficient migration pattern.

• These outliers take calculated risks. They explore unknown paths, and sometimes, they fail. But other times, they create breakthroughs that change the game.

• They attract other strong geese. Some geese will choose to follow a new leader who challenges the norm, forming a powerful, adaptive subgroup that thrives in different conditions.

• They survive in ways the flock cannot. If the main group is headed into a harsh environment, the rebel goose that adapts is the one that lives to tell the tale.

  
  

Lessons from the Rebel Goose for Leaders Today

Traditional leadership models often emphasize structure, predictability, and best practices. But some of the most successful leaders in history—entrepreneurs, visionaries, and revolutionaries—were the ones who stepped away from the crowd.

1. Challenge the Set Path

Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the best way. Leaders who innovate are willing to question industry norms, challenge outdated systems, and redefine success.

• Steve Jobs didn’t follow the “standard” way of making computers—he reimagined design and functionality to create products people didn’t even know they needed.

• Elon Musk didn’t accept that electric cars had to be slow or unattractive—he changed the narrative and revolutionized an industry.

• Oprah Winfrey defied conventional TV formats, building an empire based on authenticity and emotional connection.

In leadership, don’t be afraid to ask: Is this really the best way?

2. Take Risks—Even When It’s Uncomfortable

Leaving the flock is terrifying. There’s no group support, no clear flight path, no guarantee of success. But great leaders don’t wait for permission—they act before certainty arrives.

• Entrepreneurs launching a startup take a leap of faith—with no guarantee of success.

• Employees who challenge toxic workplace cultures risk short-term backlash—but create long-term change.

• Leaders who pivot away from failing strategies face initial resistance—but end up ahead when others realize the shift was necessary.

Ask yourself: What risk am I avoiding simply because I fear leaving the pack?

3. Build a Tribe, Not Just a Team

Rebel geese don’t just fly solo forever—they often form smaller, stronger teams that thrive in different conditions. Instead of sticking to one-size-fits-all leadership, they attract people who align with their vision and values.

• Instead of hiring based on credentials, hire based on mindset.

• Instead of trying to lead everyone, find the people who truly resonate with your mission.

• Instead of forcing people to conform, create an environment where innovation and individuality thrive.

Ask yourself: Am I leading a traditional team, or am I building a movement?

The Balance: Knowing When to Fly Solo & When to Rejoin

Being a rebel leader doesn’t mean rejecting teamwork altogether. Even the most independent geese eventually find new formations that align with their needs.

The key to effective leadership is knowing when to follow and when to break away.

• If the current system works, optimize it.

• If it’s failing, challenge it.

• If you need a new path, create it.

  
  

Final Thought: Are You the Rebel Goose?

The best leaders aren’t always the ones in the front of the V-formation—they are the ones who know when to question, when to pivot, and when to take flight on their own path.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to do something differently, to challenge outdated ways, or to forge your own way—maybe you’re not falling behind. Maybe you’re just a rebel goose in the making.

So the question is: Will you follow the flock, or will you dare to lead differently?