Read the full news release here.

Vocii™ and Brand Integrity, Inc. are proud to announce a new client to our shared roster: UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a Fortune 21 company whose mission is to help people live healthier lives. UnitedHealth Groups’ Recruitment Services team selected Vocii and Brand Integrity for their ability to recognize an unmet need: effective management and measurement of on brand behavior as it relates to the Group’s employer brand: “There’s Something Greater at Work Here.”

Through Potential Point™, a performance management solution that aligns employee behaviors with brand values and business strategy, the team now has the ability to monitor, measure, track and report real-time results to leadership as it positively reinforces its brand message among candidates in the employment market.

The “Great to Greater Than” On Brand Behavior program will launch June 23, 2010. Participants in the pilot program include Recruitment Services Leaders, Managers, Recruiters and other Human Resources team members responsible for delivering exceptional candidate experiences while also achieving vital business objectives.

Heather Polivka, Director of Employment Marketing stated: “We’re very excited about Potential Point and impressed with its ability to drive results that include greater visibility for our brand and employee value proposition. The reality of being able to gauge our teams' performance through behaviors directly tied to business outcomes is Brand Management 3.0. Think Facebook for brand and performance management. The more employees see managers and peers being recognized and appreciated for going above and beyond, the greater the likelihood that others will want their stories told and repeat best practices. The domino effect for this application has no bounds."

In today’s world of endless choices, especially in the mobile industry, customer experience reigns supreme. Having a strong brand is vital to improving sales, increasing customer loyalty, even improving overall business performance.  To survive in a fiercely competitive landscape, companies must consistently create value by strengthening their brand in every area of their business. For U.S. Cellular, the nation’s sixth-largest wireless provider, this included improving the human experience – one of the most important elements of their brand.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Russ Nykaza, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at U.S. Cellular to learn more about their brand strategy. As he shared their story, what impressed me most, was his patience, candor and genuine conviction to create unity within the company while consistently improving the experiences people have with U.S. Cellular inside and out.

Russ is a leader that clearly understands branding is a journey and is not without its challenges. He demonstrates however, that with a well-defined strategy, an emphasis on relationship building, two-way communication and consistency between actions and words, success can be achieved.

Our partners at Brand Integrity, Inc. created this simple video to help illustrate what on brand behavior is and how the Potential Point^™ Employee Engagement solution can improve customer experiences in your organization.*

Are your customers experiencing red when you promise blue?

How many of your employees are red? With the right recognition and education, employees will understand how their behavior and performance links to values and business strategy. Learn more by viewing our brief demo then give us a shout to discuss your unique challenges. And thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share this educational video.

* This is a promotional post written in strategic partnership with, Brand Integrity, Inc., creators of the Potential Point™ solution. The video, content, trademarks and/or patents, pending or otherwise, are under the protection of their respective owners.

Admit it. It doesn't matter if you're celebrating a small win or a monumental victory, there's nothing like the feeling of a solid high five.

The power of the high five.

This simple yet exuberant human touch point sets off a chain reaction in our brains. An adrenaline rush fueled by pride, a sense of accomplishment and winning attitude.  These powerful emotions can create lasting memories of what success feels like not to mention the ability to strengthen the bond of any team.  Plus, it's addicting!  The high five almost always leaves us wanting more.  It can be just enough to trigger the internal drive needed to continue behaving and performing in ways that will lead to the next big win. 

I know, I know, times are tough for teams today. The pressure to perform with fewer members, resources and incentives is leaving contributors feeling beaten down and unappreciated. The spirit of teamwork is at risk! This is where simple acts can make a big difference...

Take a stand. REVIVE THE FIVE!

Tomorrow, April 15, is National High Five Day. I know, it's also tax day but don't let that stop you!
 

You should be.

Last night, CBS premiered an innovative and fresh reality series designed to raise awareness of CEO's who aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves, dive into the trenches and learn the truths of their businesses from the bottom up.

What do you think most people have on their minds as they head into work each day? Do you suppose they're mentally preparing for how they can really blow that big presentation, miss an important deadline, forget to prepare for that big meeting or lose the company's biggest client?

Probably NOT.

But if they are thinking about work, they might be wishing they got a pat on the back from their boss or co-workers for rocking that presentation, getting the project done ahead of schedule, being one of the only people who prepared for the meeting or winning the company its newest client.

Some may be wondering how they can get management to notice the little things they do. After all, not everyone in the company is on the front lines or directly involved with the sales and marketing efforts. If they could just get others to notice, they wouldn't have to be so worried about whether or not their job is safe.

The reality is most people want to go to work each day to do a good job and help the company grow.

Leaders today, especially those who have cut staff to the bone, face a whole different challenge: getting employees re-engaged or risk losing performers at all levels. Many are looking for employees to make the commitment to ensure the job gets done and done right. What leaders fail to realize, especially in difficult times, is employees need more from each other, the company and leadership. It can be as simple as recognition for doing a good job, but must be organized in a way that illustrates what actually doing a good job looks like. And, most importantly, how it aligns with the overall business strategy.

Going Beyond Engagement

Based on recent global research workforce studies, aligning on-brand behaviors with company strategies is fast becoming a business imperative for many organizations. The Corporate Leadership Council conducted a study that shows a 50% decline in the level of discretionary effort put forth by employees; disengaged employees are 24% less likely to quit than they were three years ago. Combine these findings with a Towers Perrin study of nearly 90,000 employees worldwide which reveals nearly 40% of employees are disenchanted or disengaged.