Blogger’s note: almost 5 years ago I ran this series of blog posts on LinkedIn and EI. Judging from recent events and behaviors, I, and you, can benefit from a refresher. One a day for the next 13 days will follow. Earlier, many of you commented positively. It’s worth repeating IMO.

Constructive feedback only, please

In our hustle and bustle, we offer our opinions, but they can be misconstrued by poor choice of wording or the lack of intonation in electronic writing. You wanted to say one thing and its meaning was misleading.

Back to the write it, let it cool concept.

If you have some criticism or you take exception to something on LinkedIn, draft your reply and stop. Come back later (in another frame of mind) and revise it to a constructive voice.

You will look better and feel better that you did. And the war of words will be mitigated and perhaps resolve into a dialog of professional observations and experience that will help others, rather than alienate them and make you look unprofessional.

Constructive, supportive, well-meaning ideas and “from my experience” advice can be a way to engage new connections and colleagues on your Home page and in Groups on LinkedIn. You do not have to have the last word.

Offer your help and answer questions in LinkedIn Groups, a great way to establish thought leadership among similarly-minded people in your Group. Ask questions there too, since we do not know everything about a topic.

In the past I have shared an article I read, and, in my comments, spoke about why I liked its content, followed by “but I would have liked to see more elaboration on {a certain topical aspect in the article}.” The author actually reached out and thanked me and mentioned the editors of the article chopped that part out. Dialog began. She became a connection after vetting and extended conversation, at my initiation.

Be professionally kind, generous, and always well-understood.