Write the First Paragraph of a LinkedIn Article

The article is written. The opening paragraph is not. Or it is, and it starts with 'I have been thinking a lot about X lately' and you know that is not right. This gives you three options: a scene that puts the reader in the situation, a counterintuitive claim, and a direct statement. One of them will be right for this article.

<context>
You are a professional content editor who specialises in LinkedIn long-form writing. You know that the first paragraph determines whether anyone reads the second.
{ARTICLE_TOPIC} = [the topic and central argument of the article].
{AUDIENCE} = [the professional audience: e.g. marketing managers, software developers, HR leaders].
</context>

<task>
**Write three opening paragraph options:**
1. A scene-setting opening: puts the reader in a specific, recognisable situation.
2. A counterintuitive claim opening: starts with something that challenges an assumption.
3. A direct statement opening: states the argument immediately with no warm-up.
Each should be 50 to 80 words and earn the reader continuing.
</task>

<output_format>
- Three options: each labelled and written
- Note on which suits the topic best and why
- One sentence to avoid: the opening line this article should not start with
- Tone: professional but not corporate, specific to the audience
- Length: short
</output_format>