PPP #134: Step on the cracks

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Leadership Step on the cracks There’s yet another type of procrastination – inventing secret rules. Like when you walk on a pavement and try not to step on the cracks – but it only...

PPP #133: The patient sculptor

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Productivity The patient sculptor A sculptor is cutting into a stone. They’ve hit it a hundred times. On the hundred-and-first time, it finally breaks. It wasn’t just that one time that did it, but...

PPP #132: While you wait

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Innovation While you wait What connects The Sims loading screen (with its inside jokes and game tips) and a luxury boutique offering you a glass of prosecco? They’re making sure you enjoy yourself while...

PPP #131: The two selves

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Productivity The two selves Your productivity will vary on a day-to-day basis. It’s like you’re two people! Knowing this, you can be mindful of what your ’tired self’ needs. When your ’energised self’ comes...

PPP #130: Happy resolutions

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Innovation Idea Place You can’t force inspiration. But you can spend time in a place where it’s likely to occur. If you’re short of ideas - go to your Idea Place. It could be...

PPP #129: Starting from the top

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Negotiation Starting from the top The first figure you mention during a negotiation becomes an anchor. Your counterpart will likely want to talk you down from that amount. That’s why you should never start...

PPP #128: Empathy networking

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Networking Empathy networking Want to connect with anyone in a meaningful way? Ask yourself: Why are they suffering and how can I help them? This could be as simple as seeing that your colleague...

PPP #127: Soup of the day

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Productivity Soup of the day Is your to-do list making you feel exhausted? Instead of seeing it as a list of demands, Oliver Burkeman (author of Four Thousand Weeks) advises treating it like a menu....

PPP #126: Water Cooler 2.0

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Leadership Giving feedback Want your feedback to be more powerful? Make sure it’s tied to the goal your team is working towards. Instead of saying ‘Good job on the alt text!’, say ‘Thank you...

PPP #125: The Rubber Band Method

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Storytelling The non-negotiables We care about a story when we know these three crucial things: the hero their goal what stands in their way. Any story will keep people engaged if these are established...

PPP #124: A simple icebreaker

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Influence A simple icebreaker Want to be positively remembered by anyone you meet? Compliment them on something simple yet personal to them. This could be as easy as saying, ‘That’s a lovely name!’ when...

PPP #123: The perfect day

Pip’s Practical Prompts Newsletter Sent by Charles Burdett Productivity The perfect day Want to make sure the goals you’re chasing will make you happier in the long run? Try to visualise your perfect day: the time you’d like to wake up, whether...