In a recent LinkedIn post, Martina Kikic discusses a common yet often overlooked challenge faced by professionals on the platform: the experience of “freezing up” when attempting to engage, even when achieving high visibility. Kikic, who was ranked #1 twice on LinkedIn in the UAE despite this difficulty, uses her personal experience to challenge conventional LinkedIn advice that often overlooks the underlying reasons for such engagement blocks.
Kikic highlights the disconnect between the advice given and the reality of individual struggles, stating:
“Mostly, folks are handing you LinkedIn advice about commenting, but skip the part about what to do when you freeze. They just say, ‘Do it more.’ Louder. With more confidence.”
This approach, according to Kikic, fails to address the root cause of the issue, which she attributes to an individual’s inherent “wiring” rather than a lack of confidence or effort.
Understanding the ‘Wiring’ Behind LinkedIn Engagement
Martina Kikic argues that the inability to comment or engage on LinkedIn is not necessarily a sign of weakness, but rather a reflection of how an individual’s mind operates. She explains that for some, engagement flows easily when their cognitive processes are active, while at other times, they may experience a complete shutdown.
“My brain runs hot or it doesn’t run,” Kikic writes. “Warm it up and I will give you #1 in 2 niches. Catch it cold and I’ll give you a blank stare and closure.”
This distinction is crucial, as Kikic points out that forcing oneself to follow a system that doesn’t align with one’s natural cognitive style can be counterproductive. She suggests that relying on strategies that feel unnatural can lead to a sense of inauthenticity and further inhibit engagement.
When LinkedIn Feels Like ‘Someone Else’s Shoes’
Kikic emphasizes that if using LinkedIn feels like an ill-fitting experience, it might be because the strategies being employed are not tailored to the individual’s unique way of thinking and operating. This is the impetus behind her creation of the Wiring Assessment, designed to help users understand and leverage their natural strengths rather than fighting against them.
“And when your LinkedIn feels like wearing someone else’s shoes, it probably is someone else’s system. That’s why I built the Wiring Assessment.”
By understanding one’s own ‘wiring,’ professionals can develop a more sustainable and authentic approach to building their presence and engaging on the platform. Kikic’s message is one of self-awareness and adaptation, encouraging individuals not to conform to generic advice but to find strategies that resonate with their personal cognitive style.
Kikic concludes her post with a hopeful note about her own journey, mentioning that after 18 months, she has overcome her engagement freeze, indicating that with the right understanding and approach, even deeply ingrained challenges can be resolved.
“p.s. The box and I are fine now. It took 18 months, but we worked it out. We are in a stable relationship.”
Her concluding question, “What part comes hard for you?”, invites further discussion and community engagement around these personal challenges, reinforcing her commitment to fostering authentic connection and effective strategy on the platform.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Martina Kikic on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on April 24, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →