We’re living in a hyper-connected world, and today, working with people from different parts of the globe is the norm. With remote work, international teams, and global hiring more accessible than ever, we’re no longer just managing calendars across time zones, we’re living in collaboration across cultures.
But here’s the thing: global business success isn’t just about syncing clocks or translating emails. It’s about truly understanding people, their values, beliefs, communication styles, and yes, even their cultural taboos. Because when you miss the cultural cues, it’s not just awkward, it can damage relationships, stall progress, and create confusion that no project management tool can fix.
Small Actions, Big Impacts
Take these two powerful examples shared by Filta’s Co-Founders, Nerissa Chaux and Efren Chaux:
In the Philippines, there’s a notorious urban legend tied to karaoke. Singing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” has been linked to violent incidents, so much so that the song is banned in many venues. What seems like a fun, harmless tune elsewhere can carry serious social tension in certain local settings.
In Colombia, slamming a car door might be no big deal in some countries, but there it’s often seen as disrespectful, or even aggressive. In a culture where pride, respect, and dignity matter deeply, such an act can spark real conflict.
These are everyday actions that could go completely unnoticed in one culture but carry heavy significance in another. These stories remind us that cultural nuances aren’t just “interesting facts”; they influence how people interpret our words, behaviors, and intentions.
It’s About Walking With Awareness
No one expects you to become a cultural expert overnight. But if you’re doing business globally, whether you’re leading a remote team, hiring international talent, or expanding into new markets, you need to cultivate cultural competency.
This means:
- Listening more carefully.
- Being open to learning.
- Asking questions with curiosity, not judgment.
- Recognizing that your way isn’t the only way.
Because at the heart of it, business is human. And understanding people is how business gets done.
Why Cultural Competency Matters More Than Ever
- Better Communication
When people feel understood, they’re more willing to speak up, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully. Miscommunications go down. Engagement goes up. - Stronger Retention
Employees who feel respected and seen for who they are are more likely to stay. They’re also more likely to grow within your company. - Higher Performance
Teams that are culturally aware work better together, bring more creativity to the table, and resolve conflict more effectively. - More Trust
Cultural empathy builds trust, and trust is the foundation of every strong business relationship.
For Employers
Whether you’re a CEO, founder, manager, or team leader, here’s how you can build a culture of respect and understanding that brings out the best in your global teams:
1. Invest in Cultural Awareness Training
Bring in experts or create learning sessions to help teams understand the cultures they’re working with. It doesn’t have to be overly formal, lunch & learns, resource libraries, and guided discussions can go a long way.
2. Normalize Curiosity
Encourage your team to ask, learn, and explore. Make it okay to say, “Hey, is there a cultural custom I should be aware of here?” or “How is this usually done in your country?” Openness beats assumptions every time.
3. Lead With Empathy
Be mindful of different work styles, communication habits, and sensitivities. For example, in some cultures, direct feedback is normal. In others, it’s seen as harsh or rude. Adapt your leadership to the context.
4. Celebrate Global Moments
Whether it’s recognizing local holidays, highlighting traditional foods during team lunches, or acknowledging regional events, showing cultural appreciation builds connection.
5. Hire Through Trusted Global Partners
When expanding globally or building international teams, partner with organizations like Filta that understand the cultural landscape of places like the Philippines and Colombia. They help businesses bridge cultural gaps, manage local compliance, and ensure smooth, respectful collaboration, so you can focus on growth.
For Employees
If you’re working in a multicultural team, here’s how you can contribute to a respectful, inclusive environment:
1. Be Self-Aware
Understand your own cultural lens. Are there ways you might unintentionally come across as too direct, too passive, too fast, or too blunt? Awareness is the first step toward better interaction.
2. Ask, Don’t Assume
If something seems off or different, ask about it, politely and with genuine interest. People appreciate it when others take time to understand their norms.
3. Respect the Unspoken
Sometimes, culture shows up in the silences, the pauses, the tone, or the way decisions are made. Learn to observe, listen, and adjust rather than control.
4. Own Your Mistakes
If you get something wrong culturally (it happens to all of us), own it. A quick “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize, that was not my intention” goes a long way.
5. Stay Curious
The more you understand people, the more valuable you become, both professionally and personally. Cultivating cultural competency isn’t just about getting along—it’s about thriving in the global economy.
Global Success Starts With Cultural Connection
The future of work is global. We’re no longer confined by borders or office buildings. That means understanding people, not just process, is your competitive edge.
At Filta, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when companies embrace the cultural differences of their team members. From hiring brilliant remote talent in the Philippines or Colombia to helping clients navigate the nuances that matter, we’re here to make working across borders smoother, more respectful, and more effective.
Whether it’s avoiding the wrong karaoke song or knowing how to close a car door, these seemingly small things reflect something much bigger: a willingness to understand.
And that’s what makes the difference.
Want to learn more? Reach out to us via filtaglobal.com
TL;DR?
Doing business globally isn’t just about language or logistics, it’s about truly understanding people. Cultural competency helps teams connect, perform, and grow together. Be curious. Be respectful. And always remember: small insights can create a big impact.
