LinkedIn Etiquette Isn’t About Manners. It’s About Positioning.

LinkedIn today isn’t just a networking platform. It’s a public, searchable record of how you communicate, prioritise, and exercise judgment.

Nothing dramatic has changed in how the platform works.What has changed is the margin for casual behaviour. And at senior levels, how you show up online quietly shapes how seriously you’re taken offline.

Over time, I’ve noticed a few behaviours that consistently show up among experienced, credible professionals on LinkedIn, and I thought it was worth listing them as reference points.

1. Don’t Send Random or Contextless Connection Requests

A blank “Connect” or a vague “Let’s connect” signals low effort. At senior or even mid-career levels, a short context matters:

         •       where you came across them

         •       why the connection is relevant

It’s not about formality — it’s about intentional networking vs collection.

2. Don’t Treat LinkedIn Like a Personal Social Platform

LinkedIn is not Instagram, WhatsApp, or Facebook.

         •       Sliding into DMs with casual or personal remarks

         •       Overly familiar compliments

         •       Unsolicited personal commentary

Even when meant harmlessly, this blurs the professional boundary of the platform.

3. Maintain a Professional Tone in All One-to-One Communication

DMs, comments, and replies are still public-facing signals, even if only one person sees them. That means:

         •       Clear language

         •       Polite framing

         •       No sarcasm, aggression, or unnecessary informality

Tone travels farther than intent on LinkedIn.

4. Be Respectful in Disagreement

Disagreeing is acceptable. Being dismissive, aggressive, or corrective in public comment threads is not. LinkedIn rewards:

         •       Thoughtful disagreement

         •       Curiosity

         •       Nuance

Not dominance.

5. Share Content That Aligns With Your Professional Image

Before posting or engaging, a simple filter helps:

“Would I be comfortable being associated with this in a boardroom or client meeting?”

Not every trend, joke, or opinion needs your endorsement.

Remember, Alignment trumps activity.

These behaviours may sound basic. But at senior levels, they’re rarely accidental. They become signals of judgment, maturity, and role clarity. If you’re building a leadership presence online, it’s worth revisiting not just what you post, but what your behaviour consistently communicates.

Have you noticed your own LinkedIn behaviour shift as your role has grown?