My wife’s favorite holiday movie is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Admittedly, it’s one of my favorites too.
I think a big reason I like the movie so much is because it’s relatable AND it’s filled with “Good Teammate Moves”—albeit some may be a little misguided.
Seeing individuals make good teammates moves—kind, generous, selfless acts that help teams move toward success—inspire us to act.
Here are twelve Christmas Vacation Good Teammate Moves:
1. Clark embracing tradition to get a “real” tree for his family. Driving to the middle of nowhere was inconvenient, but as Clark points out, Christmas tree lots have “no special meaning.” Good teammates are willing to suffer inconvenience to procure “special” memories for their teams.
2. Clark planning to use his Christmas bonus to build a pool for his family. He could spend his bonus on any number of selfish desires, but he chooses to use it for something that benefits his entire family (team)—as good teammates always do.
3. Clark buying Mr. Shirley a Christmas gift. Good teammates appreciate their teams’ leaders even when those leaders aren’t necessarily appreciative of them.
4. Clark extensively decorating his house with lights. Good teammates share their talents with their teams. A neighborhood is a “team” and Clark shares his “exterior illumination” talents with his neighbors.
5. Russ helping his dad hang the lights. Good teammates are willing to pitch in for the good of their teams regardless of how unenjoyable the task.
6. Audrey defending her dad when Grandma Nancy criticizes his lighting failure. Good teammates stand up for one another, especially when outsiders criticize them behind their backs.
7. Clark and Ellen welcoming Eddie and Catherine and the entire Griswald extended family into their home. Good teammates are hospitable. As Ellen says, “We have plenty of room. Plenty of towels. Plenty of everything!” Sharing is caring.
8. Clark and Ellen buying gifts for Rocky and Ruby Sue. Good teammates are generous. They share their blessings with those less fortunate.
9. The Griswald family going along with Aunt Bethany saying the Pledge of Allegiance instead of grace. Overlooking a teammate’s minor faux pas to not embarrass them is the mark of a good teammate.
10. The Griswald Family eating dinner after Catherine overcooked the turkey. Sometimes being a good teammate means enduring unpleasantness to keep from hurting a fellow teammate’s feelings.
11. Clark, Sr. giving Clark a pep talk after Clark angrily explodes at his family. When a team member messes up, good teammates offer encouragement. They hold them accountable by privately reminding them that they’re “too good to act like this.”
12. Mr. Shirley reversing his decision to cancel employee Christmas bonuses. When good teammates make a mistake, they demonstrate humility, acknowledge their mistake, and commit to making it right.
(*Bonus) Cousin Eddie “kidnapping” Clark’s boss so Clark can insult Mr. Shirley to his face. Taking Clark’s request literally may border on the misguided side, but isn’t trying to make a teammate’s wish come true a little commendable?
As always…Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate.
