Business Lessons from Christmas Movies

What’s your favourite Christmas movie? Frank Capra’s black and white classic, It’s A Wonderful Life, or perhaps the action-packed thriller Die Hard (yes, it is definitely a Christmas movie!).

Christmas movies have been a staple of the festive season for generations, and they can do more than just entertain you. Watching your favourite Christmas films can help you hone your business skills too.

Here are six of our favourites and the quick lessons we can take away from them.

It’s A Wonderful Life

“Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

The words of Clarence, the guardian angel to George Bailey. We don’t always appreciate the positive impact we can have on the lives of others and the power of doing good. George learns this lesson the hard way. His story is a reminder of the importance of the small things which make a difference and the art of being selfless.

Business communication hinges on building meaningful connections and trust with colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders. Showing empathy towards them will go a long way in developing successful partnerships.

Die Hard

You have to admire John McClane’s stubbornness in Die Hard. His never-give-up attitude ensured that he saved the day (or night if we’re being picky!) Whether it was outwitting his adversaries or getting past seemingly impossible obstacles, McClane always found a way. Perseverance and determination are great skills to have in challenging times.

In the business world, it pays to stay resilient. Making sure that you don’t give up when things get difficult is essential for success. Even if things seem impossible, take a lesson from McClane and find creative solutions.

The other lesson from this movie is that the best-laid plans can very quickly go wrong, even when you are a supposed genius being played by Alan Rickman.

Home Alone

In this 1990 Christmas hit, Kevin McCallister uses his resourcefulness to outsmart two bumbling burglars as he protects his home from intruders. Similarly, effective business communication requires quick and creative thinking.

Adaptability is key in any business situation. Whether it’s dealing with difficult customers or leading a team, the ability to think on your feet and find alternative solutions when things are challenging can often lead to a positive resolution.

This film also teaches us to take personal responsibility as a leader. If Kevin’s parents had set multiple alarms and done the head count it would have been a very different film.

Elf

Will Ferrell’s 2003 comedy Elf reminds us that sometimes humour is needed. Laughter has a way of breaking down barriers and making people more receptive to new ideas or feedback. Buddy also taught us to stay true to ourselves even when faced with adversity. During conversations with colleagues or clients, don’t feel obligated to compromise your values or beliefs just because someone else disagrees with you – stand firm in your convictions.

Gremlins

1984’s Gremlins highlights an important lesson about clear instructions – if instructions aren’t given or followed properly then things can go wrong very quickly! In business communication, having clarity and being precise is essential for successful collaboration. Giving clear instructions about tasks or projects will ensure that everyone is on the same page – this will save time and aggravation in the long run (and also a lot of mess!)

A Christmas Carol

There have been so many versions of Charles Dicken’s classic, personally, I like the Muppets! The key lesson learned from Scrooge’s transformation is that you should never underestimate the power of kindness. Kindness in communication matters because it shows respect and appreciation for people, two things that can make any situation better. In business, being kind to colleagues and customers will help create a culture of understanding and cooperation.

So whether you prefer timeless classics like It’s A Wonderful Life or more modern offerings like Elf, there are plenty of lessons to be learned from your favorite Christmas films. Use the wisdom you glean from these movies to enhance your business communication and take it to the next level!

Merry Christmas!

Can We Help You With Your Business Communication after Christmas?

We offer many options to help you or your team improve your business communication skills. From our science of storytelling training to conflict resolution training, we have something to fit all time frames and budgets. Get in touch today to discuss how we can help you achieve your communication goals.

Or if you like the idea of bringing the power of stories into your business communication, watch or listen to our podcast below. Richard speaks to award-winning journalist Cristina Mendonsa about powerful storytelling and its ability to move people and businesses forward.