We Culture, a Hallmark of Latino Leadership
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, is a time to recognize the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. It's also an opportunity to reflect on how we can be better allies to Hispanic leaders striving to show up authentically in the workplace. Often, a company's corporate values may align with a leader’s professional aspirations, but they can directly conflict with their cultural values. To show up and support Latino leaders as they rise in their field, we must first understand the differences between I culture, We culture, and the internal conflict at play in corporate America.
Understanding the Difference Between I and We Culture
Understanding the difference between "we culture" and "I culture" is crucial to being an effective ally to Hispanic leaders. In many Hispanic and Latino communities, there is a strong emphasis on collectivism and "we culture." This means that individuals often prioritize the needs and well-being of the community over their interests, with many young professionals still supporting their extended families through their careers.
According to a December 2021 McKinsey report, The Economic State of Latinos in America: The American Dream Deferred, 44% of Latinos reported being more likely to support family members when they have extra income. In the Latino community, family or familia does not just mean your genetic family, as the term includes those aligned in values and perspective. This mentality is deeply rooted in We Culture and can directly conflict with the American sentiment of hustling for success at any cost. The difference is highlighted in the McKinsey report with Latino millennials being significantly more likely than their non-Latino counterparts to provide financial support to the family - 72% versus 53%.
“Latinos are simply more communal and more inclusive. If everyone chips in and does his or her part, things get done quicker, relationships become stronger, and we can have a great time.”
We Culture & Leadership Success
We Culture perspective influences how Hispanic leaders approach their work and initiatives. They often strive to create positive change that benefits the entire community and make decisions with their community in mind. In fact, the Latino community expects leaders to remember their roots and remain faithful to the community's needs. Remembering where you came from is a weighted principle for leadership success, specifically in a collective mindset.
In some cases, strict adherence to "I culture" values, emphasizing individualism and personal success, can alienate Hispanic leaders from their communities. This tension arises particularly for younger leaders as they aspire to make their unique mark on the world while respecting their cultural roots. As allies, it's crucial to support Hispanic leaders in finding a balance between honoring their heritage and pursuing their ambitions. Encouraging open conversations about their challenges in bridging these cultural and generational gaps can help create an environment where their leadership is valued and celebrated, fostering a stronger and more inclusive community, especially within your team.
connect with anna
Coaching is a transformative experience, and Anna works to help any leader, at any stage, uncover their innate wisdom. Book a time for a free discovery call with Anna to learn more.
about anna & executive horizons
Anna Alvarez Boyd, is the founder of Executive Horizons LLC, a consulting and leadership coaching business. Anna brings over 30 years of experience as a trusted senior leader to her clients. Her coaching starts with the belief that every individual is talented, creative, and whole. She supports clients to deeper self-discovery, through a unique, tailored approach for each person that includes skill building, reflective practices and leadership development.