With social media begging for our attention and engagement more than ever, online professional networking is becoming more mainstream. With that, discretion over what we share is becoming more nuanced and, at times, overlooked entirely. The increased emphasis on building our professional brands and being overly authentic or “real” can sometimes go too far, especially for professionals with security clearances. Being judicious about what we share, both online and in person, has become somewhat obsolete. For cleared professionals, discretion isn’t just advised – it’s essential to maintaining clearance protocols. Walking the fine line between oversharing and appropriately discussing work dilemmas or sharing personal experiences can be tricky, but here are a few ways to begin evaluating your professional judgment.
Self-Reflect on Your Communication Skills
Before you assume you’ve had a spotless record in terms of professional discretion, ask yourself: Am I consistent in keeping conversations strictly on a need-to-know basis, or am I more flexible with what I share? Do I let my guard down in public or in informal settings? Be honest about where you stand and what you might need to adjust going forward.
Recall Past Conversations and Incidents
Think about specific interactions you’ve had outside the safety net of your cleared workplace – how did you handle yourself? Have you ever had close calls or accidentally overshared? Are there environments where you’re more tempted to talk too much about your work? Moving forward prudently, regardless of past interactions, is a positive step.
Assess Your Social Media and Online Footprint
Your personal social media accounts may feel separate from work, but cleared professionals don’t have the same luxury of online sharing as most civilians. Having social media is often a benign personal choice but using it as an outlet to vent or to highlight work details that are “right on the line” is inappropriate. Take a hard look at your online presence and see what you may need to adjust.
Even with good intentions, maintaining full discretion and privacy regarding work matters in cleared fields can still be a gray area. The quiz above can point you in the right direction for fine tuning your professional boundaries. Seek feedback from supervisors or colleagues, and don’t hesitate to role-play potential scenarios you may face in the future.
