Sharpen Your Communication Skills

The English language is a curious animal; we oftentimes make statements or write instructions, absolutely convinced that we make perfect sense. Until we get a strange look, a blank stare, a response that makes no sense whatsoever, or an outright “Huh??”  Or when we go back to it later for one reason or another and realize “Hmmm… I don’t remember what I really meant by that…”  Sound familiar?  Things don’t always come out the way they were meant. It's true of everyone, from time to time, albeit some more than others.

And the margin for misinterpretation increases ten-fold when it’s in writing, rather than verbal communication. We’re all over-committed, racing through our day, multi-tasking, and often, our mouth and fingers sometimes get ahead of our analytical skills or better judgment. It’s amazing how fast and easily you can confuse the heck out of people, or worst case, destroy your reputation and credibility these days by keystroke. 

In any case, once something comes out of your mouth or you hit the send or post button, it's out there for your boss, coworkers, customers, and more often than we realize, the entire world to see. You own it forever, you literally can't take it back, so it’s vitally important it conveys as intended.  Once you make the mistake once or twice of being less than clear in your communication-- as we’ve all done -- that should be enough to make you more diligent in ensuring you are.

Sounds easy, right?  But the ability to write clear, unambiguous instructions and communications is truly an art.  Our own Pat Baldwin, CSEO,  is conducting a great class to assist escrow folks in sharpening their skills in communicating clear instructions and learn how to ensure that what you say and write has both the intended impact and as few unintended consequences as possible.  Please join us!  Details below:

Class to be held on:

Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 9:30am until 12:30pm

Class to be held at:

Green Street Realty
3131 E. Camelback Road, suite 410
Phoenix AZ 85016

For more information or to RSVP:
Contact: Bernadette Espinosa
Email: BEspinosa@fnf.com

Congrats to Bernie Espinosa, Our April 2012 Employee in the Spotlight

Warm temperatures have arrived. We call it Spring in the Valley of the Sun, and the second quarter begins!

Meet Bernie Espinosa, one of our esteemed Sales Executives.  Vivacious, energetic, thoughtful, and caring are just a few words that describe our co-worker.

Bernie was born in San Francisco to parents who both immigrated to the United States from Nicaragua. Interestingly, even though Bernie’s mom and dad came to the United States from the same country, they did not know each other in Nicaragua. They met through mutual friends in San Francisco. Bernie is, as she says, first generation. She attributes her work ethic and her appreciation for life to the lessons she learned from her parents who worked so hard for their family.

Bernie has one older brother, David, who is a policeman (on the SWAT Team) in San Francisco, and one younger sister, Janel, who lives in San Diego and who also works in sales. Bernie went to school at the San Diego Fashion Institute. She moved to the Phoenix area in 2000 to take a position in a technology firm as Vice President of Marketing. After a very successful term with the company and completing her business goals, Bernie spent some time traveling to Europe and South America.

Bernie Espinosa, FNT Sales Executive

Wanting to grow professionally and move on to new challenges, Bernie entered the world of title and escrow. With a referral from a loan officer friend, Bernie obtained positions with Equity Title and Magnus Title. In August of 2007, Bernie worked for Ticor Title and came to Fidelity National Title by way of the Ticor Title merger in May of 2008. Bernie says that the longest time she has ever worked for a company is with Fidelity and she loves her job.

Here are a few things you may or may not know about our April 2012 Employee in the Spotlight:

Bernie…

§  Is an artist and loves vibrant colors

§  Loves being outside (hiking especially)

§  Loves to cook – she makes a great chicken piccata

§  Loves to learn, read, and travel

§  Loves spending time with her rescue dog, Lucky

§  Enjoys life and loves helping others

§  Loves the San Francisco Giants

§  Was born on February 14^th (Valentine’s Day) which may account for her love of “sweets”

When asked about any special life lessons she wanted to share, Bernie said that many of the lessons she has learned from others are things she would not want to emulate. Sometimes learning what not to do is a valuable lesson, too. Bernie’s best “life advice”? Work hard, be grateful, cherish your family and friends, sow a seed, help others, and be present in the now.

Congratulations to Bernadette Espinosa on being selected the FNTA- Maricopa April 2012 Employee in the Spotlight. It has been said that the real secret to success is enthusiasm, and Bernie certainly demonstrates that quality to all of us. We thank you for bringing your unique gifts and talents to our Fidelity team, Bernie. You are appreciated!