LEADERS & FOLLOWERS
by Jim Emerton
In a flock of pigeons, individuals with stamina and keen navigational abilities may take the lead in flight. There is a subtle and dynamic connection between the members of the group which we only guess at from a human perspective, yet exists. We are deluded and arrogant to pretend to understand it. Perhaps in long marathon races it is these leader pigeons which persist and make the arduous journey home. I suspect that genes are fundamental to leadership. Similarly people with recognised leadership qualities are on the edge in all walks of life, as a result of personal qualities. The irony is that leaders and followers are interconnected and mutually dependent for the roles they perform. Your outstanding and consistent racers are likely to be leaders. We could do with an ethologist to study a racing flock of pigeons all fitted with tracking devices to monitor them.
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Elimar - October 2014
