Initiative:
One of the great advantages of the swan is its abiltiy to fly as a flock in a V-formation. Its speed would be drastically reduced were it not for the flock's ability to fly in this manner. The whistling swan is capable of attaining speeds up to 100 miles per hour.
It has been calculated that 25 birds flying in a V-formation are able to travel 70% farther than one swan flying by itself. This tremendous increase in distance is possible because the lead swan "breaks the trail" for the others which follow. Consequently, air resistance is lessened as each swan benefits from the upwash of the widening wake of the one preceding it. Less total lift power is required!
The lead swan has the most difficult task. When it becomes tired, however, it drops back and a new leader takes over, giving it an opportunity to rest. For some swans the great northerly return flight may be as long as 3,000 miles. Because of the initiative of one swan in taking the lead, the swans are able to relieve the pressure from others in the flock and greatly increase the speed at which they travel!

"A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm." -- Enrik Ibsen

"Time is neutral and does not change things. With courage and initiative, leaders change things." -- Jesse Jackson

"Nothing so conclusively proves a man's ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself." --Thomas J. Watson