How often do we skim the surface of things, assuming what we see is all there is? On LinkedIn, a small yet powerful icon—the three horizontal dots—offers a striking metaphor for this tendency. I’ve spoken with professionals who’ve confessed, “I didn’t realize clicking on the dots would reveal so many options!” The realization often leaves them astounded by what they’ve been missing.
The three dots are a quiet reminder: there’s always more if we’re willing to pause, explore, and be curious.
For those unfamiliar, these three dots appear across LinkedIn, on posts, profiles, and even messages. Clicking them unveils hidden features—tools to save posts, report updates, customize your feed, or take specific actions that can enhance your LinkedIn experience. Yet, these features remain underutilized because they aren’t immediately obvious. It’s a perfect analogy for the opportunities we overlook in our professional lives when we stick to what’s visible or familiar.
As we approach the end of the year, this metaphor feels particularly poignant. December is a natural time for reflection—on what we’ve accomplished, what we’ve missed, and how we’ve grown over the past twelve months. It’s also a time to think about what lies ahead. What new opportunities might we uncover in the coming year if we choose to pause and explore?
Think about how this might apply to your own LinkedIn habits. Do you find yourself scrolling mindlessly, skimming posts without truly engaging, or hesitating to explore new features? The same patterns can show up in how we approach work, networking, or even decision-making. We often settle for the obvious path, rarely pausing to ask, "What else could I do here?"
But what happens when we choose to go deeper? When we take the time to explore, reflect, and engage with intention? That’s where the real magic happens.
I’ve seen it countless times with clients who, after some coaching, start to click those three dots. They find options that make their LinkedIn interactions more strategic—saving a post for later inspiration, following someone without connecting, or even reporting content that doesn’t align with their professional values. The simple act of clicking a small icon opens the door to being more thoughtful and deliberate.
This intentionality extends far beyond LinkedIn. It’s about cultivating curiosity in every area of your professional life. When you approach challenges with an open mind, explore options that aren’t immediately visible, and ask questions that dig beneath the surface, you unlock new possibilities. This could mean discovering an unexpected career opportunity, strengthening a relationship by reaching out in a meaningful way, or finding clarity on a decision that seemed overwhelming.
The end of the year provides us with a rare opportunity to pause and take stock. It’s a chance to ask ourselves, “What dots haven’t I clicked on yet?” Are there ideas, connections, or projects that we’ve overlooked because we were too busy rushing forward? And as we move into the new year, how can we adopt a mindset of curiosity and exploration to uncover the hidden opportunities that await us?
Here’s my challenge to you: start by literally clicking on those three dots the next time you’re on LinkedIn. Look for features you haven’t explored before. Then, expand that practice into your broader professional life. When you’re faced with a choice, an obstacle, or even an opportunity, take a moment to pause and reflect. What are you not seeing? What might you uncover if you went beyond the surface?
Just like those three dots, there’s often more to every situation than meets the eye. And when you’re willing to explore, you open yourself up to growth, innovation, and possibilities that could change the game for you.
As we close out this year and step into the next, let’s commit to looking beyond the obvious, both on LinkedIn and in our lives. Let’s pause, explore, and embrace the unknown with intention and curiosity. Because sometimes, the greatest opportunities are just waiting beyond the three dots.
