Annie Pearl
Open the Door First
Inspired by Annie Pearl episode
Calendly's CPO: open the door for them to choose first. Works for scheduling calls and getting toddlers dressed.
Annie Pearl gets asked how to send a scheduling link without seeming aggressive. Her answer: open the door first. Let people share their availability before you send the Calendly.
This is advanced toddler negotiation. You learned this the hard way when "Put on the blue shirt" triggered a 20-minute meltdown about shirt tyranny. Now you say: "Do you want to pick your shirt, or should I pick for you?" They feel like a CEO. You feel like a hostage negotiator. Everyone wins.
"We're leaving now" doesn't work on a tiny person whose concept of time is "now" and "not now." Try: "Do you want to walk to the car, or should I carry you?" Suddenly they're marching out like they're leading a parade they invented.
They feel in control. You get shoes on feet. The illusion of choice is powerful. You're not surrendering. You're just letting them think it was their idea all along.
