respond to the post below

As a Learning Engineer Manager at AFCDA, where our team operates across multiple geographically separated units, communication technology is critical to our mission success. However, AFCDA members should use it ethically. I have personally come across situations where coworkers shared screenshots or documents through personal messaging apps (iMessage or Signal) instead of using approved channels. At first glance, it might seem like a quick way to keep someone in the loop, but it opens the door to privacy issues and puts sensitive information at risk. More importantly, it can break down the trust we work hard to build across our organization.

In a distributed environment, this type of violation typically occurs due to members feeling the pressure of time constraints or unclear boundaries regarding proper communication procedures. For example, when an engineer misses a Teams call, another member may send screenshots of private discussion points or slides through a personal group chat, bypassing secured systems. This violation not only goes against organizational policy but can also compromise classified or sensitive content. I have also seen this with the use of AI. While building learning modules, members use the help of AI to summarize technical data and load "For Official Use Only" documents into the NIPR GPT application. While this is on a secured network, the fine print states that sensitive or controlled unclassified information or "CUI" data should not be uploaded into the system. Again, this is another unethical violation that risks information and our service.

Two safeguards can be implemented to prevent such actions: First, reinforce training on appropriate communication channels and clearly define what types of information can or cannot be shared. Second, a culture of accountability should be developed by encouraging team leads to model secure practices and report inappropriate use when it happens. Holding members accountable sets the standard.

Using the right communication channels, such as encrypted platforms for sensitive materials or official email threads for documentation, helps maintain integrity and compliance. As Butcher (2023) emphasized, ethical leadership requires consistency between what we say and what we do. Our teams are watchinghow we communicate sets the tone for how they will, too.