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Home Foundations of public administration Personal Effectiveness Psychological Flexibility for Civil Servants: Remaining Present to Navigate Complexity

Psychological Flexibility for Civil Servants: Remaining Present to Navigate Complexity

Identify what matters by distinguishing controllable, influenceable, and uncontrollable factors
Apply present-moment and task-focused techniques to sustain attention and performance
Recognise and redirect unhelpful thought cyclesand self-talk to enhance clarity and emotional regulation
Strengthen their sense of agency and self-efficacy in complex environments
Align daily actions in line with personal and organisational values.

Overview

Off the shelf (OTS)

Target Audience:
This module is designed for civil servants at all levels who are navigating complex, fast-changing environments and seeking practical tools to stay focused, emotionally regulated, and values-aligned. It is particularly relevant for those working in high-pressure roles or undergoing organisational change.

Prerequisites / Experience Level:
No prior experience with psychological flexibility or present-moment awareness techniques is required. Suitable for individuals and teams seeking to enhance clarity, reduce stress, and improve performance through evidence-based techniques.

Course Description:
This module focuses on cultivating the skill of remaining present and grounded amidst complexity. Drawing on psychological flexibility principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), participants will explore how to distinguish between what they can control, influence, or let go of. Through interactive exercises, real-time scenarios, and peer dialogue, learners will practice techniques to reduce cognitive overload, regulate emotions, and sustain attention. The session supports civil servants in building mental clarity, emotional agility, and a stronger sense of agency in their daily work.

Course Objectives / Topics Covered:
•Identifying controllable vs. uncontrollable factors
•Practicing present-moment awareness and task focus
•Breaking cycles of overthinking that create distraction
•Enhancing emotional regulation and clarity
•Aligning actions with values and intentions.