In that spirit, here are ten bad attributes that keep these Christmas movie antagonists from being good teammates:
10. Ebenezer Scrooge
A Christmas Carol (2009)
Ebenezer Scrooge has many faults, but his most notable is greed. He is the quintessential cold-hearted miser. He values money more than anyone or anything. Good teammates are not greedy. They’re altruistic and appreciate their teams’ human capital.
9. Scut Farkus
A Christmas Story (1983)
Scut Farkus is mean, nasty, and shallow. He is a bully who relishes opportunities to terrorize Ralphie and the rest of his “nameless rabble of victims.” Good teammates don’t bully. They stand up for the bullied.
8. Harry & Marv, The Wet Bandits
Home Alone (1990)
In addition to their thievery, The Wet Bandits are deceitful. They routinely pass themselves off as being something they are not. Good teammates are not phony. They are always genuine, as are their intentions.
7. Jack Frost
The Santa Claus 3: The Escape Clause (2006)
Jack Frost is the figure responsible for snow, ice, and unpleasantly cold weather. (Villainous enough in many circles!) This schemer is cunning, manipulative—and envious. Santa gets “Coca-Cola cans and TV specials,” while he’s stuck with a “few runny noses and some dead citrus.” Good teammates don’t envy other team members. They are happy for their teammates’ good fortune.
6. Mr. Potter
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Cut rom the same fabric as Scrooge, Mr. Potter is the robber baron who sends George Bailey’s life into peril. Mr. Potter is unempathetic to the hurting residents of Bedford Falls. Good teammates don’t have hardened hearts. They are compassionate and aware of the impact their actions have on others.
5. Hans Gruber
Die Hard (1988)
Whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie may be subject to discussion, but the fact that Hans Gruber is a violent terrorist is not. Hans Gruber is downright ruthless. Good teammates are not cruel nor merciless. And they don’t hold others emotionally hostage. They treat everyone with kindness and respect.
4. Oogie Boogie
A Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Oogie Boogie, Jack Skellington’s vile nemesis, is “the embodiment of a child’s worst nightmare.” He’s heinous, boisterous, and uses fear to intimidate others. Good teammates don’t lead with fear. They have the confidence to lead with love.
3. The Grinch
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
The Grinch is as cuddly as a cactus and as charming as an eel. This cantankerous recluse is indeed a “mean one.” Good teammates are not cranky. They are perpetually cheerful and well-aware of the contagiousness of their emotions.
2. Mayor Augustus Maywho
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
The Grinch isn’t the only Dr. Seuss character to make the list. Whoville’s vain, arrogant mayor, August Maywho, bullied the Grinch as a child and is responsible for the Grinch’s hatred of Christmas. The word that best describes Mayor Maywho is self-serving. His own interests are his sole concern. Good teammates are not self-serving. They put their teams’ interests ahead of their own.
1. Frank Shirley
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Could anything be worse than a boss who gifts his employees a membership to the “Jelly of the Month Club” as a Christmas bonus? Contrary to Cousin Eddie’s assertion, that isn’t a “gift that keeps on giving the whole year.” Frank Shirley is cheap, pompous, and inconsiderate. Good teammates are none of those. They are generous, humble, and highly considerate.
Fortunately, nearly everyone on this list demonstrates themselves capable of redemption. If you happen to suffer from any of the above shortcomings, know that you too are redeemable.
As always…Good teammates care. Good teammates share. Good teammates listen. Go be a good teammate—and have a Merry Christmas!
