Core Competencies Learning

The UC Core Competency Model helps build a foundation for the culture we want at UC.

The UC Core Competencies were chosen to provide a shared set of behaviors and language that reflect UC's vision and values.


The eCourses, books and on-the-job development activities below are designed to help you exceed expectations in your role.


Learning Resources

 

Achieving Results Learning

1. Continuous Improvement Competency

Strives for high-quality performance in self and the organization. Takes initiative in an ongoing effort to improve products, services or processes to deliver optimum results. Is resourceful, seeks alternatives and broad input; measures outcomes.

  • Continuous Improvement Learning
  • Title Format
    Enabling Business Process Improvement eCourse
    Unleashing Personal and Team Creativity eCourse
    FRICTION: The Untapped Force That Can Be Your Most Powerful Advantage Book  |  Audio Book
    Gemba Kaizen: A Commonsense Approach to a Continuous Improvement Strategy Book

    Continuous Improvement Development Activities

    PDF

2. Continuous Learning Competency

Demonstrates responsibility and ownership for one’s job and career path by identifying and expanding skillsets needed to perform successfully on the job. Consistently works to learn and increase knowledge. Asks for help when needed, admits mistakes and is open to feedback.

  • Continuous Learning 
  • Title Format
    Developing a Growth Mindset eCourse
    Learning From Failure eCourse
    Effectively Directing and Delegating as a Manager eCourse
    How Will You Measure Your Life? Book
    The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change Audio Book 
    The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity Audio Book 
    How You Learn Is How You Live: Using Nine Ways of Learning to Transform Your Life Audio Book
    Continuous Learning Development Activities PDF

3. Problem Solving Competency

Anticipates and identifies problems; conducts appropriate analysis to understand stakeholder interests. Generates and evaluates alternative solutions. Takes thoughtful risks.

  • Problem Solving Learning
  • Title Format
    Outwitting Your Cognitive Bias eCourse
    Solve Problems Using Systems Thinking in the Workplace eCourse
    The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing Audio Book
    Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear Audio Book
    Problem Solving Development Activities PDF

4. Service Focus Competency

Values and delivers high quality, professional, responsive and innovative service to all customers. Establishes and maintains positive, long-term working relationships.

  • Service Focus Learning
  • Title Format
    Communicating Effectively with Customers eCourse
    Polishing Your Skills for Excellent Customer Service eCourse
    What Customers Crave: How to Create Relevant and Memorable Experiences at Every Touchpoint Book 
    Be Amazing or Go Home: Seven Customer Service Habits That Create Confidence with Everyone Audio Book
    How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships Book  |  Audio Book 
    Service Focus Development Activities PDF

Building Relationships Learning

5. Belonging and Community Competency

Models, fosters, and promotes the University of California Principles of Community. Demonstrates empathy and respect for all people regardless of differences; promotes fairness and equity. Cultivates, champions, embodies, embraces, and supports a sense of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

  • Belonging and Community Learning
  • Title Format
    Overcoming Your Own Unconscious Biases eCourse
    Bridging the Diversity Gap eCourse
    Living the Principles of Community eCourse
    Positive Atmosphere: Establishing an Engaged Workforce eCourse
    The Loudest Duck: Moving Beyond Diversity While Embracing Differences to Achieve Success at Work Book 
    Inclusive Conversations: Fostering Equity, Empathy, and Belonging Across Differences Book  |  Audio Book
    How to Be an Inclusive Leader: Your Role in Creating Cultures of Belonging Where Everyone can Thrive Book  |  Audio Book
    UC Davis Principles of Community Webpage
    Belonging and Community Development Activities PDF

6. Collaboration Competency

Interacts with others in ways that demonstrate collaboration and cooperation. Builds partnerships with others to achieve organizational results. Cultivates, builds and maintains positive relationships across the organization.

  • Collaboration Learning
  • Title Format
    Becoming a Successful Collaborator eCourse
    Strategies for Building a Cohesive Team eCourse
    Emotional Intelligence for Project Managers: The People Skills You Need to Achieve Outstanding Results Book
    Generations, Inc: From Boomers to Linksters: Managing the Friction Between Generations at Work Book 
    The 10 Laws of Trust: Building the Bonds That Make a Business Great Book 
    Collaboration Development Activities PDF

7. Communication Competency

Clearly and effectively shares information both orally and in writing. Uses the most appropriate and effective medium for communicating. Adapts and adjusts messages in line with audience experience, diversity and background. Seeks input and actively listens; checks for understanding of messages.

  • Communication Learning
  • Title Format
    The Art and Science of Communication eCourse
    Choosing the Right Interpersonal Communication Method to Make Your Point eCourse
    Using Active Listening in Workplace Situations eCourse
    Collaborative Intelligence: Thinking With People Who Think Differently Audio Book
    Generations, Inc: From Boomers to Linksters: Managing the Friction Between Generations at Work Book
    The Power of a Positive Team: Proven Principles and Practices that Make Great Teams Great Book
    Communication Development Activities PDF

Creating the Future Learning

8. Change Agility Competency

Anticipates and adapts to change. Supports change initiatives by energizing others at all levels and ensuring continued commitment when faced with new initiatives. Demonstrates tolerance and adaptability when dealing with ambiguous situations. Effectively plans for change and deals with setbacks through flexibility and resilience.

  • Change Agility Learning
  • Title Format
    Using Active Listening in Workplace Situations eCourse
    Making the Most of Organizational Change eCourse
    Leading Your Team through Change eCourse
    The Power to Change: How to Harness Change, to Make it Work for You Book
    Bounce Back: How to Fail Fast and be Resilient at Work Book 
    Resilience: How to Cope When Everything Around You Keeps Changing Audio Book 
    Change Agility Development Activities PDF

9. Mission and Vision Focus

Shows understanding of and commitment to the UC mission and vision.

  • Mission and Vision Focus Learning
  • Title Format
    Personal Power and Credibility eCourse
    Sharing a Vision eCourse
    Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring: Lean Forward, Learn, and Leverage Book
    The Greater Goal: Connecting Purpose and Performance Book
    Mission and Vision Focus Development Activities PDF

10. Stewardship Competency

Demonstrates accountability, discretion and sound judgment when utilizing tangible and intangible University resources to ensure the public trust.

  • Stewardship Learning
  • Title Format
    Developing a Personal Accountability eCourse
    Leading in the Post-pandemic Workplace eCourse
    The Power of a Positive Team: Proven Principles and Practices that Make Great Teams Great Book
    The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups Audio Book 
    Stewardship Development Activities PDF