|
The
Tools of a Filipino Worker by Redford Lacanilao
Have you ever wonder why Filipino workers have made
it big in the global market? What makes them click, that amidst the great
debacle of unemployment in the country, they have been globally accepted by
their competitive colleagues? We
may not know all the answers to these questions, but it is of great relevance to
know the anatomy of a Filipino worker to better understand his needs, drives and
motivation towards work and success. Indeed, Psychology plays a major backbone
in the actualization of attaining the holistic nature of Filipino workers.
It
is inevitable to dodge on the issue about poverty, high unemployment rate and
economic crisis especially when your talking about a third world country like
the Philippines who has been striving to resolve its exigencies. But despite of
its condition, these pressing needs are very much compensated by Filipino
workers who risk their lives abroad just to help their families and their
country. It is just like looking on a kaleidoscope that one will realize that
Filipino workers have definitely surmounted the four corners of the world. With
that motivation, Filipinos have worked harder and have strived for the best so
that they cannot only make a name for themselves but make their country proud of
them.
But
what really makes a Filipino worker stand out from the rest?
It’s like asking, what makes a man different from another? Crazy
indeed, but the logic of this question would answer our purpose. It is true that
a Filipino worker like any other worker uses the same set of tools- education,
skills, expertise, and experience to name a few in his chosen work.
But what makes these tools glow as gold is how he uses these.
Some may not have completed their education while others may not have
enough experience, but amidst this paucity, Filipinos possess the most
indispensable tool that one could ever possibly have. And that is his big heart.
He has the heart on what it takes to be on top of the world. Bias aside,
Filipinos always put their hearts in whatever they do. Aside from the fact that
they want to be successful and be the best on whatever endeavor they are into,
they are well known for their ability to reach out harmoniously with other
people in the likes of his co-workers, superiors and subordinates. Pinoys have
been able to exemplify great “pakikisama” or goodwill especially when
working abroad.
When
it comes to dealing with people, language has never been a barrier in reaching
out with other people. In fact, you
can never find someone who’s got the same communication skills as they have.
Through the years, Filipinos have become adaptable and adept to his changing
environment thus helping him adjust to his work and to his co-workers
effectively. Reaching out with them is best depicted in his need for smooth
interpersonal relationship or what others call as the SIR factor.
Meeting new people and being part of the group are his requirements for
working effectively. For him, no
man is an island. His success is
his company’s. That is the main
reason why Filipinos are socially accepted by his global competitors.
A
typical Filipino worker is best epitomized by the fictitious Jerry Maguire. Remember, when he said the interminable phrase, “You
complete Me”? Such a powerful phrase, that it burst the whole world with
storm. A Filipino worker is never complete without his work. The zenith of his
efforts in life is best achieved through his work. Comparing a Filipino to Jerry
is paradox in the sense that we are not giving the Filipino his own worth and
identity which he deserves. But
identity aside, Filipinos do have a different identity yet the same heart Jerry
has when it comes to work. A
Filipino worker like Jerry thrives on competition. Healthy competition brings
the best in him. His hard-nose effort towards success is his challenge in life. Just like Jerry, a Filipino worker is always dedicated.
He is willing to devote his entire life in this endeavor for the sake of
his family which gives him the motivation to strive harder. True to the notion,
love your work and your work will love you, a Filipino worker always puts this
in heart. Like Jerry, a Filipino
worker never neglects his work. He
takes care of whatever he has and always do on whatever he believes.
Just like a patient who is need of help and the country who is in
despair, the Filipino worker is always there willing to give a helping hand. For
him, Work and service go hand in hand. He
doesn’t only think about himself, but he is also concern for the welfare of
others. With God as the foundation
of rendering his service, he would never fail.
Indeed, a Filipino worker is the workhorse of the
economy. They sacrifice abroad just to support their family.
Our economy wouldn’t be standing still without them.
Their contributions worldwide have done a lot of wonders to the upheavals
of what we are now. We certainly
cannot live without them. They are
our last hope towards economic recovery and growth.
It is not over till its over. We still have a chance and that chance is
on the hands of our Filipino workers. |
