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 eLearning, books and on-the-job resources 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 eLearning Unleashing Personal and Team Creativity eLearning 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 On-the-Job Resources
Continuous Improvement Development ActivitiesPDF
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 eLearning Learning From Failure eLearning Effectively Directing and Delegating as a Manager eLearning 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 On-the-Job Resources
Continuous Learning Development ActivitiesPDF
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 eLearning Solve Problems Using Systems Thinking in the Workplace eLearning The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing Audio Book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear Audio Book On-the-Job Resources
Problem Solving Development ActivitiesPDF
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 eLearning Polishing Your Skills for Excellent Customer Service eLearning 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 On-the-Job Resources
Service Focus Development ActivitiesPDF
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 eLearning Bridging the Diversity Gap eLearning Living the Principles of Community eLearning Positive Atmosphere: Establishing an Engaged Workforce eLearning 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 On-the-Job Resources 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 eLearning Strategies for Building a Cohesive Team eLearning 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 On-the-Job Resources
Collaboration Development ActivitiesPDF
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 eLearning Choosing the Right Interpersonal Communication Method to Make Your Point eLearning Using Active Listening in Workplace Situations eLearning 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 On-the-Job Resources
Communication Development ActivitiesPDF
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 eLearning Organizations Change So Get Ready eLearning Leading Your Team through Change eLearning 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 On-the-Job Resources
Change Agility Development ActivitiesPDF
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 eLearning Sharing a Vision eLearning Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring: Lean Forward, Learn, and Leverage Book Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t Book On-the-Job Resources
Mission and Vision Focus Development ActivitiesPDF
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 Framework eLearning Leading in the Post-pandemic Workplace eLearning 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 On-the-Job Resources
Stewardship Development ActivitiesPDF

Core Competency Model
Learn more about the 2020 UC Core Competency Model that was endorsed by the Human Resources Leadership Consortium (HRLC).