Filipinos and Colombians are both known for their warm and inviting personalities. But their cultural backgrounds are quite distinct. This can influence how they communicate. To work together successfully, it’s important to understand and respect these differences.

Filipino Culture

Filipinos have a special way of doing things that mixes what they learned from the East and the West. 

One distinctive aspect of Filipino culture is that they prefer indirect communication. Rather than stating their thoughts or feelings directly, Filipinos may use subtle cues, hints, or even jokes to convey their message. This indirect approach can be seen as a way to preserve relationships and avoid causing offense.

Another cultural value is respect for elders.  Their wisdom and experience are highly valued, and their advice often carries significant weight in decision-making processes.

Filipinos are also deeply rooted in the community. They prioritize the well-being of the group over individual interests, creating a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Colombian Culture

Colombians are known for their expressive communication style. They often use a combination of words, gestures, and facial expressions to convey their thoughts and emotions. A raised voice or a dramatic pause can add emphasis, while a smile or a knowing glance can communicate volumes. This approach reflects the passion that characterizes Colombian culture.

Despite their expressive nature, they also value directness in their communication. They appreciate honesty and clarity in their interactions, choosing to address issues head-on rather than avoiding them. 

Colombian culture also puts a lot of value on what individuals can achieve and their personal goals. This can really affect how decisions are made and how people work together. When people focus on themselves, they often feel more responsible for their own actions and want to make their own choices. 

Here’s what you can do to truly connect with your Filipino and/or Colombian team members: 

1. Listen to them attentively. This means paying attention to their words, of course, but also to their tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language. If something doesn’t make sense, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. And remember, interrupting someone is a sign of disrespect. Let them finish speaking before you share your thoughts.
   
2. Don’t judge people or situations too quickly, and be willing to consider new ideas and approaches. Everyone has their own unique way of looking at the world.
   
3. Be mindful of the cultural differences between our Filipino and Colombian teammates. It’s important to respect everyone’s unique background and avoid making any remarks that might be hurtful or insensitive.
   
4. While Filipinos often prefer a more indirect style of communication, it’s crucial to express yourself clearly and directly, particularly when dealing with sensitive matters or tight deadlines. This ensures that everyone involved is on the same page and avoids any misunderstandings that could lead to delays or conflicts.
   
5. Create a safe space where team members feel comfortable expressing themselves without worrying about negative consequences.
   
6. Discover what you have in common. Whether it’s a love of music, a passion for travel, or a shared experience, finding common ground can help you connect with people from different cultures.
   
7. Encourage open feedback and constructive criticism. This will help the team spot any issues in your communication and practice to work together to solve them.
   
8. Embrace the opportunity to learn from each other’s cultural perspectives. Open your minds and hearts to the beauty of each other’s ways of life. This way, everyone in the team can lead to greater understanding, innovation, and problem-solving.
   
9. Consider providing cultural training or workshops to help team members develop a better understanding of each other’s cultures and communication styles.

Consider incorporating these strategies into your cross-cultural communication practices:

• Use Visual Aids
  Instead of just telling people about something complicated, try using visual aids like diagrams, charts, or pictures to ensure everyone understands the message.
  
• Practice Empathy
  Put yourself in the shoes of others and try to understand their perspective. This can help avoid misunderstandings and build stronger relationships.
  
• Celebrate Cultural Diversity
  Organize team-building activities that celebrate the cultural diversity of the team, like sharing traditional foods, teaching each other’s language, or preparing a presentation to discuss what they love about their own culture.

Cultural awareness is essential for creating a positive and inclusive work environment. When you exert effort in recognizing and valuing the different cultural perspectives of Filipino and Colombian colleagues, your team can break down barriers, promote understanding, build stronger relationships, and achieve greater harmony, innovation, and overall success.