Are Costa Ricans proactive or not?

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One of the most difficult things for me adapting to the Costa Rican culture has been the fact that Ticos are not really proactive. Of course, there are those who are, but they are an exception. Most are pretty reactive.

If you wonder, yes I am still trying to adapt to a different culture after 35 years. There are certain habits that are really difficult to adapt to, for me at least.

Just in case anyone might think I’m negative or complaining, I’m not. This is just a simple statement, so you’re aware of it, can adjust to reality. This will help you, when you’re an expat, to take the necessary action when needed.

So the question is “are Costa Ricans proactive or not”, will be answered as best as I can below.

I recently did some consultancy for a Costa Rican newspaper, where some employees are foreigners and some locals. After a month or so, I had over 600 emails in my mailbox and it was growing fast. The reason for this ever-growing mailbox was that nobody was taking any decisions and went in hiding.

On some of those emails, there were 6 or more people involved. Everybody would just answer yes or no to a suggestion. But none of the Ticos would offer a solution, give another suggestion, or take the lead on a discussion. It clearly showed here that Costa Ricans are not proactive unless they’re put under pressure. Which I started doing after a while, though it was not well accepted.

I think the fear of taking a decision is to get noticed, or maybe to fail or rejected. Or maybe it’s what makes the difference between an employee and an entrepreneur. I haven’t done any research on it and I won’t. I am just using it so you understand how many Ticos do not like to participate in what’s going on around them so they have to make decisions. Don’t expect it.

Volunteering

Usually, if you don’t ask a person for something, and send them reminders, you won’t get it. They won’t volunteer it. You will hardly ever see someone think ahead and suggest something to you.

In the Costa Rica real estate business that we are in, it’s very important to be proactive; I’ve learned that many years ago. At GoDutch Realty, we really want to stay ahead of everybody else. We go the extra mile to guide you through a process that you don’t know, without any potholes.

Here are a few simple examples that you might need in the near future:

Electrical Wall Switch Plates

Just last week, we sold a condo in Escazu. The buyers left to pack their household to send it to Costa Rica. They left our office in charge of making sure the condo is painted by a painter we recommended. Before they left, the buyers went to the electrical supply store to choose new electrical switch plates for all light switches and outlets. They sent me a photo by Whatsapp of the model selected.

A couple of days later, the handyman calls from the store to say they don’t have any inventory of the selected model.

The handyman could have gotten proactive: take a photo with his phone of the available switch plates that are similar, their prices, and send it by Whatapp back to me. Then it would be easy for me to email the seller to ask for feedback.

Now it will take a few days before he has a chance to go back to the store, or I will have to go. Then, by the time we get an answer from the client, it’ll be a week later.

It’s so simple you’d think.

A testament for a foreign buyer

We can’t really anticipate when we will die, although we all know that it will be our turn one day. Older people, when they move to another country, usually leave assets and bank accounts behind, and probably have a will or testament.

When they buy a house and a car they will have to make the transaction in a Costa Rican lawyer’s office.

Rarely have I seen a lawyer in Costa Rica offer the client explanation about the need of having a separate will for their assets in Costa Rica. I guess lawyers are not salespeople. But in my opinion, it is very necessary for a lawyer to explain the need for a separate will for their assets in Costa Rica. Most buyers would appreciate that recommendation. Ask your lawyer about it if you don’t have one yet.

Costa Ricans are not proactive

The two samples that I gave you are two very different samples. But I’m sure you will find out for yourself if Costa Ricans are proactive or not. In my opinion, they’re not.

I find it particularly hard to deal with our account manager at Scotiabank or any large company. And it’s even worse in the Municipality, the water company, the phone company, the power company, the cable TV company, and a few others.

I love living in Costa Rica. But I tend to get impatient when I feel the people who have sufficient intelligence to come up with a solution, are totally reactive. Then I remind myself that I should adapt to them and not the other way around.

Today’s lesson: Don’t wait, be proactive yourself, and get it done.

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I DO want to remind our readers that we appreciate any referrals you can send us. Please remember the GoDutch Realty agents when you talk about your home in Costa Rica, we appreciate it.

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I want to remind our readers that we appreciate any referrals you can send us. Also, please remember the GoDutch Realty agents when you talk about your home in Costa Rica; we appreciate it.