Are We Just 'Mirror Talking' to Ourselves on LinkedIn?

Have you ever stopped and thought about who you’re actually talking to on LinkedIn? It’s something we all do—connect with like-minded people who share our views and opinions. But, here’s the question: are we just talking to ourselves?

It’s so easy to get stuck in an echo chamber, especially when we surround ourselves with people who agree with everything we say. Sure, it feels good to be get those likes and be validated, but are we really challenging ourselves and are we connecting to people that can help us develop? Without hearing other opinions - even ones that disagree with us - we miss out on the opportunity to learn, grow and see things from different perspectives.

So, how do we ensure that we make LinkedIn a space for genuine conversation?

Engage with Different Views

Follow people who see things differently from you and look for content that challenges you, not just ones that align with what you believe. It can spark new ideas, get you thinking differently, and help you stay ahead of the curve.

Ask Questions

Don’t just hit like—start a conversation! Asking questions and inviting diverse viewpoints encourages real discussions. It’s not about agreeing with everything you hear, but about exchanging ideas and broadening your understanding. This is where the magic happens.

Participate in Industry Groups

Rather than just focusing on your immediate network, join LinkedIn groups that focus on different areas of your industry, or even ones outside your direct expertise. These groups often host discussions that can expose you to fresh perspectives and give you the chance to engage with people you wouldn’t normally connect with.

Follow Thought Leaders Outside Your Niche

It’s tempting to follow only those within your specific area of expertise or industry, but try expanding your horizons. Follow thought leaders from adjacent industries, or even completely different fields. By doing this, you’ll gain unique insights that may not be directly relevant to your day-to-day, but could inspire new ideas or approaches you hadn’t considered.

Share Personal Experiences

Sometimes, we get so focused on sharing polished content or industry news that we forget the value of being authentic. Share personal experiences or challenges that don’t necessarily fit the “expert” mould. Not only does this make you more relatable, but it also opens the door for others to share their own stories, which can lead to more diverse and enriching conversations.

Be Open to Constructive Criticism

While we’re all used to sharing success stories, don’t shy away from showing the challenges you’ve faced or asking for feedback on your ideas. Encouraging constructive criticism opens up the possibility for learning and collaboration. You’d be surprised how much you can learn from someone who sees things from a completely different angle.

Collaborate with Others on Content

Instead of only publishing solo posts, collaborate with people who have different perspectives or backgrounds. Co-authored content, whether it’s an article, post, or video, can be a great way to merge different ideas and experiences. The dialogue that results from collaboration often opens doors to fresh thinking and new connections.

Encourage and Participate in Debates

Healthy debate is often what gets us thinking in new ways. When appropriate, don’t shy away from initiating or joining debates on topics that are of interest to you. As long as it’s respectful, a well-thought-out debate can help you challenge your own views and learn from others.

At the end of the day, LinkedIn should be a place for learning and growing, not just for hearing what we already know. Let’s move away from the “mirror effect” and start having real conversations that broaden our horizons.