The Paradox of Growth Strategy on LinkedIn: Are We Really Practicing What We Preach?

LinkedIn is a platform built for professionals to connect, share insights, and showcase expertise.

But recently, one curious trend that’s hard to ignore is that many people who preach growth strategies on LinkedIn seem to use the same strategy in terms of looking great on the platform by their engagement.

Now, don’t get me wrong—this is not a critique, nor is it about judging others. But it’s something worth considering.

We often hear about the power of content strategies and using the platform effectively to reach your ideal audience. However, when we look deeper into the interactions and comments on those that preach growth strategies merely through the platform, we start to see something else: a lot of posts are driven by tactical reach-building, not necessarily authentic engagement.

The Strategy vs. the Reality

Let’s talk about those posts where people preach about growth strategy. They often share valuable insights, tips, and frameworks for success. They offer wisdom on how to build an audience, increase engagement, and position yourself as an industry leader. The posts sound great, and the strategies are solid.

But if you pay attention to the engagement—specifically the comments—it’s often a different story. Many posts receive only a handful of insightful comments, and sometimes, those comments come from people who share the same broad advice or generic affirmations like “Great insight!” or “Love this post!” It raises the question: Are we actually practicing what we preach?

You might see someone drop a post about growth strategies, positioning, or content marketing and then—ironically—ask, “What do you think?” or “Does this resonate with you?” These are not bad questions, but they are tactical ones. It’s clear they’re trying to generate conversation to boost reach. And that’s totally fine! Engagement is a huge part of LinkedIn’s algorithm, and asking questions can help increase visibility. But here's the thing: It’s a growth strategy, not an authentic conversation.

The Dilemma of "Engagement for Engagement's Sake"

The part I find interesting is that many of these posts don’t actually feel like real conversations. Instead, they feel like an attempt to boost numbers. But after a while, you see posts, you check peoples comments and honestly, it starts to look and feel like a numbers game—a game where posts are all trying to get more comments, likes, and shares, but not necessarily having meaningful discussions.

When you take a closer look at the comments on these posts as I mentioned, you often see the same generic responses, like “Great insights!” or “Thanks for sharing!” But, let’s pause for a moment. Does that really make you feel seen? Does it spark a real connection? Or does it just serve as a signal to the algorithm that the post is getting engagement, which—let’s face it—often feels more about appearances than genuine connection.

How many times have you seen these types of comments on your posts and wondered if anyone actually took the time to read what you wrote? Sure, the likes feel nice, and they contribute to your visibility, but do they really translate into meaningful conversations or connections?

The Authenticity Dilemma

Now, let’s dive into the topic of authenticity. Everyone talks about the importance of being “authentic” on LinkedIn. Be real, share your true self, and show the world who you are. But here’s the reality: If people are being honest with themselves, are they really being authentic, or are they just putting on a show?

It’s easy to slip into the trap of doing what you think will make you look good. Posting content because you should, commenting on posts to stay visible, or sharing "value" that isn’t truly aligned with your passions, just to get likes and shares. But this isn’t authenticity. It’s performance. And if we’re being real, how many of us are guilty of doing this from time to time?

It’s one thing to share genuine insights and valuable content—it’s another to constantly tailor your posts for reach and visibility. If you’re constantly measuring success by how many comments you get, then you may be missing the point of what true engagement on this platform is all about.

The Cycle of Validation

This brings us to the larger question of validation. There’s nothing wrong with wanting validation, but we need to ask ourselves: What are we seeking it for? Are we looking for a genuine connection, or are we just trying to prove to ourselves (and others) that we have value? Do we seek approval through engagement, or do we genuinely want to spark a conversation that drives change or learning?

When you get that “Great insight!” comment, it’s nice. It feels like someone acknowledged your work. But, at the end of the day, does it really help you grow? Does it challenge your thinking, or does it just confirm what you already believe?

In the pursuit of engagement, people can often lose sight of the bigger picture—true connection. True connection isn’t about getting more comments. It’s about creating dialogue that challenges, inspires, and pushes us forward. But in a world driven by algorithms and reach, real conversation often takes a backseat to the numbers game.

And Yes, My Engagement Might Be Low...

You might be reading this and thinking, “Well, your posts don’t get much engagement either.” And yes, that’s true. My posts don’t always get a flood of likes or comments. But here’s the difference: I’m not seeking validation or generic comments. I seek those who truly resonate with my message.

If I showed you my direct inbox, you’d see how many people reach out to me personally, especially when I speak on topics of mental health, vulnerability, and personal growth. It’s clear that not everyone is comfortable commenting publicly, especially on such sensitive subjects. LinkedIn, after all, is still a professional platform, and many people may not be in a space where they can openly share their personal struggles or experiences.

But the conversations happening behind the scenes? They’re meaningful. Those messages are what I value, because they reflect genuine connection, not just algorithmic play.

And let me tell you, my results speak for themselves. Through my work, I’ve touched the lives of over 12 million people globally, with unprecedented exposure in international mainstream publications and networks. I’ve built an international community that regularly participates in global initiatives. These tangible impacts are far more valuable to me than chasing likes and comments. They’re proof that true engagement and connection don’t always come from what’s visible on the surface.

Closing Thoughts

Let me be clear: There’s no judgment here. If this is your strategy, that’s fine! It works for some people, and it’s definitely a way to get noticed. But it’s worth considering: Are you really building genuine relationships and connections, or are you just going after metrics that give the illusion of success?

The truth is, building a real, engaged community anywhere isn’t about the quantity of comments or likes you get. It’s about having conversations that matter. It’s about offering something of value—not just to the algorithm, but to the people who need to hear it. If your focus is solely on growth, reach, and engagement for validation, you might find yourself trapped in a cycle of performance without substance.

So, the next time you post, ask yourself: Am I trying to boost my numbers, or am I trying to build a real connection? The answer might just change the way you approach LinkedIn, and you might start to see not only more engagement—but more genuine relationships that make your time on the platform truly worthwhile.

After all, authenticity isn’t about how much you show up, it’s about how genuine you are when you do.