A Christmas Story, the 1983 film based on the late writer Jean Shepherd’s story of Ralphie and his quest for a Red Ryder BB Gun from Santa Claus, is a holiday classic.
The story takes place in small-town Indiana before World War II. – The heartwarming film, A Christmas Story reminds us of the simple joys of Christmases past. We’re reminded too, of those snafus that befall every family –from flat tires to temperamental household appliances.
But more than anything, it’s a sweet story of a bespectacled boy’s Christmas dream. We were all kids once. We’ve all walked in Ralphie’s shoes.
But can A Christmas Story inspire some lessons for businesses? You bet. Here are just a few.
- Cast a Vision: It’s a truth as old as The Scriptures. Where there is no vision the people perish. The same is true for community banks, credit unions and other businesses. Has your bank crafted a vision for 2015, 2020 and beyond? Ralphie had a vision – a “Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time.” What’s your air rifle?
- Overcoming the “You’ll shoot your eye out,” crowd. Time and time again, Ralphie weathered blunt warnings about the dangers of an air rifle – “You’ll shoot your eye out.” He got it from his Mom, his teacher, even a grouchy department store Santa Claus. But Ralphie stuck with his plan. Hard work, optimism and commitment can overcome the naysayers. Has your bank re-visited your strategic plan to align with your vision?
- Fight off the “triple-dog dare”. Be careful not to take unnecessary risks. Too often, we listen to the crowd when our better judgment tells us to go in another direction. Remember Ralphie’s friend Flick? He took a “triple-dog dare” and wound up with his tongue affixed to a frozen flagpole. Seek wise counsel, not loud voices.
- Little things matter. Fans of A Christmas Story will no doubt remember Ralphie’s Dad’s “major award,” a leg lamp complete with a stiletto heel and fishnet stocking. For Ralphie’s Dad, it was a new treasure, for Ralph’s mom, it was a neon tragedy. Every customer is different. The trick is finding what matters to your customer that will build customer loyalty. You can bet Ralphie’s Dad was loyal to the contest sponsor until his last breath.
- Sometimes, life gives you a pink bunny suit. It can happen to you, or one of your employees, or one of your customers. Ralphie’s great aunt, who still envisioned her nine year-old great-nephew as a two year-old boy, sent him a pink bunny suit for Christmas. Needless to say, it was Christmas curveball for Ralphie. When the unexpected comes, do what Ralphie did. Roll with it. Your attitude is what counts.
- The Decoder Ring Principle: Ralph experienced great disappointment when the Little Orphan Annie secret decoder ring he’d ordered in the mail translated a commercial message: “Drink Your Ovaltine.” Remember your message needs to speak to the customers’ needs and wants, not corporate jargon. Ralphie expected to unlock the mystery of buried treasure with his ring. Instead, he got a big disappointment.
- Sometimes, you need to yell “Fudge”. We remember the scene when Ralphie helped his Dad change a flat, and lost the tire’s lug nuts in the nighttime snow. Ralphie let loose an expletive, one he’s heard time and again from his Dad. It’s OK to blow off steam, but do it privately, or with a trusted friend or colleague. Public outbursts can demoralize a team, and distract from the work to be done.
- Nothing is more joyful than an unexpected success. At Ralphie’s all of the Christmas presents had been opened, or so it seemed. Ripped wrapping paper littered the floor. Ralphie’s Dad directed him to something behind the sofa. The kid found a beautifully-wrapped package, a long package, like an air rifle.
And it was indeed Ralphie’s Christmas dream come true, his Red Ryder gun, with the compass in the stock. Words describing a nine year-old child’s Christmas joy is indescribable.
- Memories and Chinese Turkey. After neighborhood mutts had obliterated the family’s beautifully browned Christmas turkey, tears flowed like thin gravy.
“Get dressed” the Dad announced. “We’re going out to eat.”
The only open place was a Chinese restaurant, where the family feasted on Peking duck and were serenaded by the wait staff singing Christmas carols. The memory of it would live for generations.
Flexibility is the lesson here. When things don’t go as planned, be ready with a Plan B, a Plan C, even a Plan D.
- And last, it’s about family. Your colleagues, customers, community and most important, your loved ones are yours. Treat everyone like family. There’s a reason we call ourselves “community” banks and credit unions have members. Our customers are all family, every day of the year.
Merry Christmas and a blessed and prosperous 2015.
