In this interview I describe the number one problem people (including myself) experience when hiring Filipinos to work in their businesses.
In 4 words: Embarrassment, unworthiness, fear, (not being good enough to qualify) <- that’s one word 🙂
To sum it up for you, here are 3 situations that occur frequently:
- You just hired a new person, gave them their first task, and they give you a reason why they have to resign.
- You’ve had someone working for you for a bit, they’ve done great work, then all of a sudden you don’t hear from them for a week.
- You’ve had someone working for you for years and they stop responding to your emails and don’t email you for a month.
In over 90% of the cases I’ve seen, the cause of all of these is that the person is embarrassed that they don’t know how to do whatever it is that you’ve asked them to do.
They either don’t know how to solve something, or they don’t understand something, or they can’t figure something out.
The natural Filipino reaction to this is to shy away from it because they don’t want to disappoint you.
Unless you want to lose an employee (or lose months of productivity like I’ve done a couple of times), you need to email them and tell them you know they have a problem and that you’d like to know what the problem is so you can help them solve it.
This will literally save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches.
You can find more tips like this both in the free video and in the members area at ReplaceMyself.com.
John,
You're so right! I've had a Filipino working for me for 3 months doing excellent work! Now, all of a sudden in October I haven't heard from her in over 2 weeks! I've sent a couple emails (and Facebook) asking if she's okay, but haven't heard from her. I'll try your approach.
Craig
yes, they are great.
But like anything, they have to be handled with respect and proactively.
I appreciate your comment, Ken. Thanks!
Hi John and thanks for your tip. I worked only two times with filipinos, but I was lucky to have my work done.
I will keep in mind your secret method to get them alive after they disappear for any reason.
Thanks a lot and see you soon,
Alessandro Zamboni
Thanks for the great post.
I just hired my first person today. I'll definitely keep this in mind.
I have been fortunate not to have this situation happen to me so far. So far I have hired 3 people, and I always close my messages to them with the following.
"Please don't hesitate to ask any questions or make suggestions."
That is one of the things I learned on this blog.
Hello,
I am a Filipino. I read your post. I am a little bit upset with the post. I know all of us have different views in life,attitudes and behaviors. There are some Filipinos are like that. But not at all. I am an odesk employee. But for me i will keep my buyer or employer treat them good, work too hard so as to come up with good and accomplish task.
Please don't make all Filipino workers go to bad.
Analiza
thanks for the tip, I have had a few small probs of similar nature- it helps to understand where they are coming from.
Hello Ken,
You are right. Money is a big issue in terms of work. If the contractor is contented with the hourly rate or monthly rate are good they are putting more stress to their work and completed the tasks in time. If the rate are not fairly good they will not work.
Blaize
You have $ signs, hope you mean pesos.
Hello Donna,
I like your comments. I am a filipino. If you are hiring more staff. Then i am willing to do some jobs. I am an odesk users and a provider.
Thanks,
Analiza
I always believe though that an employee reflects the employer. We can't blame people who don't perform – we hired them in the first place. We can, however, blame ourselves for not being able to identify their weaknesses and use their strengths.
Excuse me but your friend must be living in the jungle where he earns 2,000 pesos per month. Hey FYI Internet connection (1mbps) is already 1,000, electricity (minimum) is 500…Come on, get real!
Blessie:
Your figures are far too high! Minimum wage there is far lower, and even University professors do not make as much as you state!
Laura,
We would really appreciate more information on your hiring packet, etc. Could you send me a link or tell us where we can get your information?
Hi Laura, I would also love to see the welcome package that you use, if you are prepared to share, it would be so helpful as I am just starting out on this journey and every little bit helps to not make the mistakes that others may have made in the beginning.
there has been so much negative in this thread that it is nice to hear some positive
Take Care & Be Safe
Cheryl
Thanks john for the great video
Yes this has happened to me … Now i know what to do when this happens again
Thanks
Love your Blog!!
Thank you DK for sharing and providing tips to qualified workers!
Ellen