UCLA Strategic Communications Listening Exercise

Attendees at the chancellor’s Listening Exercise for UCLA Strategic Communications — which was held at the office’s annual Bar Raiser Summit and also featured marketing and communications staff from across campus — expressed a range of thoughts about the role of storytelling for leaders. Several individuals highlighted the importance of clear, continual communication, and one speaker talked about using communications styles that accounted for generational gaps among UCLA community members. Attendees emphasized the need for diverse communication styles and tools to ensure all generations feel connected, respected, and heard. Other speakers asked about the chancellor’s communication style, particularly his consistent use of certain phrases like “UCLA Connects” and “reservoirs of kindness.” Attendees wanted to understand the rationale behind this approach and its effectiveness as a leadership tactic. The discussions also touched on the chancellor’s personal connections to storytelling, with one attendee asking about the chancellor’s favorite author and what he admired about this storyteller’s style. Given the current political climate, some attendees expressed concerns about defending UCLA’s funding and values against potential misrepresentation. They sought guidance on how the chancellor planned to navigate these challenges. Finally, questions centered around building trust within the UCLA community – and the importance of this for a new leader entering a complex environment.

Themes

• Storytelling as a Leadership Tool: Speakers discussed the importance of storytelling in leadership and how the chancellor hopes to use it effectively at UCLA.
• The Value of Communications and Marketing: The value of communications and marketing was discussed, and one speaker asked how UCLA storytellers can support the chancellor’s vision.
• Building Trust: One speaker highlighted the importance of building trust within the UCLA community, especially for a new leader.
• Connecting with the Local Community: A speaker asked how UCLA can better connect with its surrounding communities and specifically referenced the large Mexican American population in Los Angeles.
• Bridging Generational Communication Gaps: One speaker commented on the need to effectively communicate with diverse multi-generational audiences within the UCLA community. 
• Leadership Communication Style: Speakers were interested in understanding the chancellor’s communication style, particularly the use of recurring phrases and their effectiveness. One speaker asked about phrases like “UCLA Connects, “We are One UCLA,” and “Reservoirs of Kindness.”
• Navigating Political Challenges: A speaker raised concerns about the current political climate and asked how the chancellor plans to protect UCLA’s funding and core values.
• Community Support: Discussion focused on the outpouring of support from the UCLA community in the wake of the recent wildfires.