Capital Title of Texas – “"Check your self-esteem at the door."”

Pros

The customers were the best part of the job. Overall the people I worked with were appreciative of the service I provided. It was a good place to develop a tough skin and learn to bear up under constant criticism (the boss). I was able to provide attention to detail and be warm in transactions with the client. I learned how to be gracious under pressure, and how to deal with high-maintenance clients. Capital Title/Argyle had a reputation for professionalism and excellence, and what I learned about the title business was accurate. The Escrow officer was thorough and highly ethical in her handling of the clients closings.

Cons

I couldn't get help from HR in finding out company policy regarding many issues. (They wouldn't answer emails or return phone calls.) I had several occasions when my paycheck was wrong. Once, I didn't get one at all! (The check was over-nighted the next day.) It is a company where the owner hires his friends and they often have no working knowledge or competence in the field. The office was isolated from other offices in the company. Since the Office Manager/Escrow officer was also vice-president of the company, we were often left to our own devices. She was very good at her job but very poor in management style. She didn't listen when I tried to inform her of messages I'd taken from the clients and their realtors. She discouraged congeniality between employees and fostered an atmosphere of insecurity and paranoia.

Advice to Senior Management

Listen to your employees and trust them to do what you taught them. Stop micro-managing. Be direct in your correction and criticism, but be kind. Don't treat your employees like children.