Featured November 5, 2025 The government shutdown is now the longest ever—and the public is paying the price Back to Blog The power of the pivot: Mastering the art of context switching to manage uncertainty Date November 12, 2025 Authors Bola Akinola Tags Workforce Federal leaders are navigating complex and often unpredictable change due to recent government disruptions—such as the government shutdown and the ongoing efforts to severely slash the federal workforce. In this environment, being able to easily switch mental and emotional gears is more important than ever. A flexible, adaptable mindset is crucial for maintaining performance and resilience. Why context switching matters Recently, when asked to participate in a large-scale organizational project, I panicked. I felt like I had to learn an entirely new set of skills, and I told myself I didn’t have time and wouldn’t be able to do it well. Mental agility—the ability to shift focus, adjust thinking and change strategies—is essential for maintaining engagement, productivity and emotional well-being during challenging times. When circumstances are turbulent, our cognitive and emotional capacities might become overstretched—we may even fool ourselves into thinking that we can’t overcome adversity. Practicing intentional context switching can help reduce burnout, foster innovative thinking and enhance decision-making. Tips for effective context switching at work Set boundaries and cue change: Set specific times or places for different projects or types of work. Switching workspaces or a quick mindfulness routine may signal to your brain that it’s time to change focus. Break down big tasks into smaller tasks: Dividing complex projects into smaller, manageable pieces reduces overwhelm, enabling smoother transitions between tasks. Maximize your tools: Use task management tools (e.g., Asana, Outlook Tasks or Teams) and calendar blocks to visually organize your tasks. Notifications and reminders can also help encourage mental shifts. Lead the effort Leaders—both formal and informal—can model authenticity about their own pivots. Encourage team members to share their strategies and build a culture that values and holds space for adaptability, which also means being patient if and when it takes some longer than others to adapt. Providing or sharing resources and training, and fostering open dialogue, empowers people and teams to remain resilient and effective. Tips for effective context switching in life Try mindfulness and breathwork: Brief mindfulness exercises or focused breathing, like two-minute box breathing, can reset your mental state and help you manage negative emotions before moving to the next task. Create switch, or transition, rituals: Develop small rituals—such as taking a quick walk, listening to a specific song or doing a gratitude check—to signal the end of one task and prepare your mind for the next. Stay informed through various forms of media: Regularly engage with podcasts, articles and TED Talks that promote resilience, adaptability and self-management during challenging times. Some current favorites include: Podcast: “The Deeper Thinking Podcast” explores emerging ideas that seek to deepen how we live, think and act. TED Talk: “Forget Multitasking – Try Mono–Tasking,” by Paolo Cardini, emphasizes the impact of focusing on one task at a time. Article: The Harvard Business Review’s “Why We Choose the Hard Way To Do Tedious Tasks” offers insights into the trap of “entrenchment” and how to work through it. Consider building or sharing a support network: Organize and engage with friends, family, colleagues, or mentors and mentees to share coping strategies, discuss and validate experiences, and stay connected. Consider learning experiences or coaching sessions focused on building mental agility, an approach proven to enhance performance in times of uncertainty. Building capacity for deliberate, mindful context switching is a vital skill for today’s federal workforce, especially amid the government shutdown and other changes being made to the civil service. By developing this skill, you can enhance your resilience and productivity, and foster a more adaptable mindset to meet whatever challenges come your way. Bola Akinola is a facilitator with the Partnership for Public Service.
