More LinkedIn Reactions

Obviously no one was allowed to laugh until last Friday. I notice when someone likes a post or comment. I don't pay much mind to the specific reaction. People can reply if they want to elaborate.

Once in a great while I can use a different reaction. I mostly like a status when I have no comment and want to let them know it was a good post. That happens when people write poetry. I would rather see more of that on this site.

Without using symbols; there are new reactions for people too lazy to think in complete thoughts and cultivate relationships. The first one is obvious. Any self proclaimed "LinkedIn Influencer" will receive:

The Passive Aggressive Reaction

This is where you give common sense advice and hide behind "Be kind" without manifesting any sort of goodwill. If they are questioned they become uppity and show their true selves which is the antithesis of kind. All they care about is their "Reach" when they deserve nothing. It's not as bad as:

The Middle Finger Reaction

When you apply online and receive a template about "Careful consideration" they might as well give you the finger. Thank God I am not applying for jobs at this point. People with greater experience and multiple degrees receive the exact same rejection letter. Flipping off applicants is no less rude than sending a form letter or:

The Post About Posting When You Post Reaction

Imagine how few posts there would be if everyone who posted about how few posted actually described something different. You might actually learn something. or you can connect with a bunch of randoms on Social Saturday who will use you to brag about the number of names they connected with. Does it have value like the:

Master and Servant Reaction

Coaches act like there is a void in your life and they can fill it. Coaching is like religion to some. Others act like Joel Osteen where the God they worship is the almighty dollar. My coach is John Candy. Explaining what derailed his career in Cool Runnings he said "If I was incomplete without it I would have been incomplete with it." This could lead to:

The Coward Emoji

This has purpose because some will only allow connections to comment and anyone can like or share their posts. Forget that- LinkedIn does not need a "Friend zone." You build relationships through comments and replies, not talking and not allowing anyone outside your cocoon or "Safe space" to comment. Usually when I see that someone put up a wall I wanted to tell them what I liked in their post. Obviously they have enough friends. So stay home and don't post.

This is not a serious site. There was a time when I met great professionals who cultivated fascinating ideas. I would rather meet them than goofy second and third degree connections who act like class clowns. Cultivating humor is a fool's errand.

I ought to know. Not only have I received incredible reactions to humorous statements made in person; as much as people enjoyed shared experiences they do not take humorists seriously. I don't need the laugh reaction. They already have that on Facebook. Cultivate a relationship and communicate from the heart. Your words matter.