INsight/ React or Write

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Manila, 17 September 2025 — How can you shift from silent support to active engagement? 

Story

I recently noticed how differently people engage on LinkedIn and in our Grow3Leaders community of practice. Some posts get plenty of likes but fade quickly. Others attract thoughtful comments — and suddenly the conversation keeps going, new people discover the post, and we connect with people we hadn’t met before. It struck me that the difference isn’t only about the algorithm; it’s also about the human experience of engagement, including being seen and heard.

When we only “like” something, it’s a quiet nod. It silently signals agreement but rarely leads to deeper connection. But when we write a comment — even with a short reflection — we open a door. The original poster feels encouraged, others join in, and the whole exchange becomes more relational than transactional.

This small difference between reacting and writing reflects a larger truth about leadership and communication: it’s not just about noticing, it’s about responding. People thrive not only on recognition but on engagement that says, “I hear you, and here’s my perspective.”

Challenge

In leadership, we can fall into the “like” pattern too. We notice someone’s contribution and think a quick “good job” is enough. But if we stop there, our impact is limited. Likes are weak signals. Just as a like on LinkedIn doesn’t carry the same weight as a comment, surface-level recognition doesn’t deepen trust or spark growth.

Comments are strong signals. The real challenge is to shift from silent acknowledgment to active engagement. That means slowing down enough to offer feedback, to ask a question, or to share how someone’s idea connects with our own thinking. These are the kinds of responses that people remember — and that inspire them to keep contributing.

It’s easy to scroll through LinkedIn and Grow3Leaders, or through our teams’ updates, with passive appreciation. What makes a difference is showing up with an active presence that invites dialogue. That’s how networks grow stronger and how teams feel truly supported.

Question

Where in your leadership are you just “liking” — offering silent recognition without real engagement — and what would shift if you took the next step to comment, connect, and converse?

In our leadership coaching work, we practice sharing strong signals for real engagement. And in Grow3Leaders we help each other to make this a daily habit until it becomes our second nature. 

This week’s leadership question for you is: How can you shift from silent support to active engagement? Please reach out and let us know.