The TNS people community

Research shows that you are more likely to leave an organization because of the people you work with, than any other single factor..

Taking a close look at your people is especially important in the service industry, where what you are selling ultimately is those people's credibility. At TNS we are very aware of this. As well as data we offer our people's insights, experience, and knowledge to our clients. In fact the data or information acquired from research means much less without that.

Making sure that we offer the best, we take extra care when recruiting our people. Although experience is important, we also hire people based on their attitude. We are eager for people who are excited about research, who have a passion for learning and understanding our clients and their needs, and who have the wit and intelligence to deliver insights to clients.

A key characteristic we look for in people is being proactive. We want people who want to go the extra mile. People who are proactive are more willing to develop themselves, more committed to the client, and help drive the business. They are usually self-motivated and good motivators of others. Those who are proactive are also usually people with good ideas. But as well as ideas we also look for past evidence of follow through - the implementation and execution of ideas. Many are able to come up with ideas, but fewer show a talent for putting plans into action. Those who are able to do both are a winning combination.

People who can work in teams also so valuable. The number of interactions every day with people at TNS is very high. The only way to get effective results is to work as a team. Whether internally or externally, being efficient and delivering results means working with others, identifying with a common goal. Those who cannot do this ultimately fall short.

Communication skills are also so important. We want people who can comfortably communicate and express themselves. Again, many people have good ideas but without an ability to clearly express and explain them, they will find it difficult to progress. When communication is good, it reduces misunderstandings and problems, makes processes and outcomes easier to reach, and positively affects team spirit.

Diversity is another key factor to a fully-rounded community. We are not interested in clones or becoming a factory that makes identical copies. We want different people, with different backgrounds, and different outlooks on life - we want people that can bring something new with them. Because employees are expected to be proactive, we look for them to openly share ideas and opinions. Everyone in our teams counts. no matter how inexperienced.

Continuing to recruit in this manner is the key to nurturing, developing and retaining talent. People stay because of the environment and a feeling of career development, personal growth, not just because they get a salary at the end of the month. We are a learning organization; we encourage our people to grow because we grow as a result of their growth.