Thanks for the Endorsement on @LinkedIn, do I know you?

Now I know that I shouldn't technically be connected on LinkedIn with people I don't "know".  I would argue that I do know all of my connections to some degree, business acquaintances, clients, or colleagues of clients, etc.  But, should all of these people have the ability to "endorse" my professional qualities or "Skills" on LinkedIn? (the newest way to enhance our connectivity)

Today, one of those "colleagues of a client" endorsed one of my skills on LinkedIn - Contract Negotiation.  A skill that I am really not even that great at, though I have worn the corporate buyer hat at my organization for quite a while - but, does he know that?  Does he know how many deals I have struck or struck out this month, or that I am too nice in negotiations and sometimes leave money on the table?

Of course he doesn't.  And I don't blame him for not knowing that nor for endorsing me.  He is likely an introductory LinkedIn user and following the directions he was prompted with to "Endorse Zack" when it popped up above my picture on my profile page.

The result of this entire exchange? I feel guilt over my fake endorsement.

The game is rigged for users to screw it up:

• Users self-elect their Skills
• Other Users without "authority" can endorse without justification*
• The endorsement ability is overtaking the true Recommendation tool that has existed on LinkedIn for a long time.  A "Recommendation" maintains strict protocols a User must comply with that justify why they have the authority to make the recommendation (i.e. worked together, service provider, etc.).

In short, I'm not a fan of Skills & Endorsements on LinkedIn in its current state - there should be a reason why a user can give a one-click endorsement.  What do you think?


Sincerely,

Zack Parnell
@zack_parnell

*Though, there is a minor bit of accountability with their image appearing next to the endorsement in the Skills section of the endorsee's Profile Page.