A method and system of performing a pole switching operation in a multi-phase machine include operating the multi-phase machine in a first configuration with a first number of poles, where the first number of poles is based on a first number of phases in the first configuration and a number of stator slots allocated for each winding in the multi-phase machine. The method and system also include receiving a signal indicating the pole switching operation in the multi-phase machine. In response to receiving the signal, the method and system include operating the multi-phase machine in a second configuration with a second number of poles, where the second number of poles is based on a second number of phases in the second configuration and the number of stator slots allocated for each winding in the multi-phase machine.