Using the VUCA framework to support faculty development during professional transitions

This reflection provides a new perspective on the transition from public sector practitioner to academic faculty in order to illustrate how the VUCA and VUCA Prime frameworks may be used by academic developers to support faculty in transitions. First, the VUCA framework is used to describe the context and characteristics of the transition experience by providing examples of volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) challenges. Then, I illustrate how strategies relying on vision, understanding, clarity, and agility (VUCA Prime) help mediate the challenges identified. By employing these frameworks, three lessons emerge to inform the transition and related professional development for others.