Commentary
What I Learned from Working with International Colleagues
By: Annabelle M.
Sharing the things I learned from working with International Colleagues for almost 2 Years (Including Americans, British, and Asian workmates)
1. They don’t mind your accent or small grammar mistakes as long as you both understand each other.
2. Calls are preferred over chats to fix issues. They prefer discussing concerns on calls rather than in chat, especially if you have questions that’s hard to explain in writing. Set up a meeting. They understand sometimes talking directly is clearer.
3. Titles like “Sir” or “Maam” are not used, even for high level roles like VP or CEO. Use first names but it’s important to know who reports to whom and who works under whom.
4. They don’t spoon feed. Yes, based on my experience, no one guides me on how to use ServiceNow lol during my nesting phase. They are generous with resources and open to supporting your learning. Like enrolling in courses if you’re interested.
5. Mistakes are okay and are part of the process, but you have to learn from these mistakes and avoid repeating them.
6. Learn how to take initiative. If you can make decisions about a project or tasks, they’ll support you. They want you to lead yourself confidently. (Kapag nagkamali ka, naiintidihan nila yun basta dapat natuto ka dun then improve mo sarili mo)
7. ITO TAGALOG PARA INTENSE – Wala sa lahi (pinoy man yan or international) yung toxicity sa workplace or workmates, kapag toxic ka talaga as a person, toxic ka talaga kahit saan.
8. You can file a vacation leave, emergency leave, or sick leave, anytime, no letter to explain why you need to file a vacation leave. Just give them your reason via email. No forms to fill up. They value time for your family and rest for your mental health if you think you feel overwhelmed with work.
9. Managers will allow you to use their American Express Credit card to order Grab food here in the Philippines during special occasions or team eat out.
