Firstly, I’m totally aware that I’m stereotyping right now and that’s it’s not “the right thing in today’s world”. I know that not all Europeans and Latinos are like this, however, I still believe that showcasing these different perspectives can potentially spark a new thought in your mindset for your personal and business life!
I’m German and Chilean, giving me the insights to both cultures intensively. Although I’m born in Germany, I feel more Chilean although this is a feeling that maybe only some of us can relate to.
Since my childhood I’ve been amazed by the two ways of living. While living in Germany 🇩🇪, I’m proud of how well the country works, everybody is punctual and the working environments in big companies are very professional. However, I can also see how people just live for their work without seeing a passion for life in their eyes, mostly complaining about small things like the weather or a train being 5 minutes late (something a latino would laugh about).
On the flip side I see my latino countries that are not as well run as European countries. Corruption scandals and unprofessional handling of business are still predominant in South American countries. People tend to be late and so on. What makes me proud every time I go to Chile 🇨🇱 is something different though.
The amount of joy and fun I can see in the Latino culture is amazing. Being able to sit in a bus and talk to my neighbour or hearing people shouting funny things in the city are small experiences that make me feel grace for life when I’m in Chile. And that’s the first thing I want to talk about:
- Gratitude and fun
These two variables play a different role in both cultures, having both positive and negative consequences. While in Germany I hardly see people having fun on the street (just look at their faces when they’re sitting in the bus or walking through the streets), in Chile I can see people joking around and enjoying the small things of life. In Germany a small problem becomes a big problem through a lot of complaining. Maybe it’s because we don’t have big problems such as not knowing what your job will be next month will be in Germany, hence, we Germans need to complain about everything?
This “seriousness”, however, is better for achieving efficiency in our job or daily lives. Let me give you one example from my job and not from daily life: I did an internship at a multinational company in Chile and employees were dancing during their shifts in the office. I LOVE THIS. But, we also have to be clear that this can be one of many reasons why the Latin economies don’t work as good as the European economies as professionalism, being punctual, delivering the right standards etc. are not as highly valued in both working cultures. Clearly, the “fun aspect” can also have a negative aspect on some areas of the country.
What do you prefer or can ? Do you see yourself more in a professional and serious environment or in a fun and easy going environment?
2. Achieving vs. being
These two variables correlate with the previously made points. When talking to people, I differentiate of latinos enjoying the small experiences, thus, being in the moment. Germans tend to be more focused on what they’re achieving and what’s coming.
Taking this difference into account, it’s also evident which culture experiences more stress levels. During my time in Chile I don’t see many people stressed. During the lunches at work, my colleagues were mostly joking around and enjoying the food. Every lunch was appreciated and the music was always on, providing an environment that let’s you enjoy the moment.
My lunches at work in Germany were mostly focused on work. There was little joking around and enjoyment. I could feel my colleagues feeling stressed about work and achieving their outcome. Talking with your colleagues about your family and experiences with your loved ones is less common than in Chile. These differing situations made me rethink about what actually matters in life?
Clearly, achieving is important in order to provide a good standard of living for yourself and your family. But does achieving always need to come at an expense of not being able to enjoy the moment?
How do these questions make you feel? Are you living the right balance or do you need to recalibrate of thinking less about achieving and actually enjoying the little things in life?
3. Long-term vs. short-term perspective (worst vs. best outcome)
Lastly, I want to elaborate on what people from these cultures usually tend to focus on. Latinos living the moment implies that they usually embody the short-term perspective. Little thought is given towards the future or retirement. The moment, the summer or the lunch break is meant to be enjoyed. I really love this way of living although only focusing on the moment is not the ideal perspective in my opinion.
We only get to create something bigger for us once we know where we want to go. We need a vision as also for example for our dream life that I’d love to help you with in a personal coaching session. Germans tend to be good at this. They have their next weeks, next customer meetings or goals in mind. I’m also fascinated of how often I hear Germans tell me “you got to prepare for the worst outcome” so that you can minimise risk.
Risk management is definitely crucial for long-term success. But it also leaves us with something to discuss. How often do worst case scenarios actually become reality? This pessimistic mindset is deeply ingrained in many Germans, hence, complaining becomes a routine in their lives.
Latinos on the flip side tend to be optimistic and focus on the best scenario possible. It’s also questionable how often the best scenario becomes reality right? Both perspectives have definitely positive and negative consequence.
All in all, I think that having a mindset, that leans towards the German way of doing things, tends to be beneficial for your career. For your personal life, the Chilean way of living brings more positive aspects into your life. Life is meant to be enjoyed, achievements won’t make us as happy as the experiences we’ll make with our friends & family!
Finding the right balance between both is the best way to go with the flow of life. Which side resonates more with you? Where can you recalibrate or consider a different perspective? Let me know and shoot me a message on my social media accounts (@chrisdiwo)! 🙂
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