Timeless communication lessons from Christmas movies

Christmas movies are often little more than nostalgic background noise during the holiday season, but many festive favorites conceal unexpected pearls of wisdom for communicators.

Unlike most Christmas presents, which lose their luster before December ends, these lasting lessons can alter your perspective, strengthen your approach and fuel your communication strategies for the new year.

So, light the fire, simmer the mulled wine, and unwrap the timeless communications lessons of these five Christmas classics.

“It’s a Wonderful Life”

In the Frank Capra classic, George Bailey is the striving everyman who puts his own dreams on hold to look after his family and friends. When disaster strikes, he fears his life has been meaningless.

Enter guardian angel Clarence, who shows him what life would have been like had he never been born. Only then does George recognize the impact he’s had.

Our workplaces are full of George Baileys—colleagues who are doing a steady job every day, yet sometimes lose sight of how much difference their work makes.

You, communicator, have the power to be a guardian angel—just like Clarence. Through recognition, appreciation and a simple, sincere “thank you,” you can uplift those who feel down, deflated or depleted.