A lot of media coverage was given to TCS for the title sponsoring the New York Marathon event recently and a lot was said about the brand building exercise - some positive and some criticism. While listening to one such debate about TCS, I recalled a pleasant and a seamless experience I had at the TCS campus some months back.
I had chosen to be a scribe for a visually challenged friend of mine for the RBI recruitment examination to be held at the TCS office in suburban Mumbai. I expected that since this is a government conducted examination, there will be a lot of hassles. However, on reaching the campus, I realized that the entire examination exercise was outsourced to TCS and its employees and staff was responsible for conducting the examination.
The entire experience of registration, verification, examination was very pleasant and very smooth. The best part was the treatment of the candidates. Not once there was a display of sympathy; neither was any apathy shown. The treatment was just about adequate. Adequate attention was paid to all the requirements of the candidates.
The watchmen and the security staff was given the respinsibility of administration and ushering the candidates inside to their respective places, technical employees of TCS was given the responsibility of examination (the exam was a computer administered test), the managers were given the task of verification and other asks where fast decision-making was necessary . The entire team comprised approximately 15-20 youngsters with 3 managers of mid-age.
Some instance which I found noteworthy were -
1. The verification process - a lot of candidates had brought only the original document of identity proof whereas the requirement was that a photocopy that had to be attached. A government organisations would have asked candidates to go outside and get copies. The TCS employees on the other hand took the originals and got the photocopies made and returned the originals to the candidates without giving trouble to anyone.
2. Knowing that the candidates were visually impaired, arrangements were in place to communicate using loud speakers and there were volunteers available in case of any trouble.
3. Seating arrangement was paid adequate attention to. It was ensured that there is adequate space between two candidates so that when a candidate speaks to the scribe others are not affected.
4. The canteen of the office was opened up for the candidates inspite of it direct being a holiday for the staff.
In short, careful planning was done for conducting the examination and attention to details was paid by the company in every regard.
For me personally, this meticulous planning and implementation of the examination smoothly was a demonstration of the company capability. This pleasant experience will make sure that I will always look upon TCS with respect. No branding exercise can help inculcate such a goodwill.
However, it is good to see that an Indian brand is participating in an event of global repute and doing well. I hope many more Indian companies are able to create an impact globally .
