Upset because your military spouse has one more extra duty or another weekend meeting? Well, before you vent on social media or call his boss to complain, take a deep breath and calm down. This side step of protocol not only puts your spouse's career at risk, but mistakes like this can put yours at risk too.

In a 2011 survey of 650 HR managers in companies with 20 or more employees, Robert Half International reported: Three out of four HR managers said technology etiquette breaches can affect a person's career prospects.

According to Brett Good, senior district president, impulsive and offensive comments can have serious career-impacting consequences.

The Robert Half International survey suggested the "venters" keep job-related posts positive and discuss unpleasant situations offline and in private. 

Understanding protocol, including how it should be used with technology, and practicing it in everyday situations, can set you up for success in your own career.

"Hierarchal business structures have always been in place, but the uniqueness in which the military uses it sets it apart from "every day" jobs, said Levi Newman, director of outreach for Veterans United Home Loans.  "If spouses, especially those relatively new to the workforce, understand processes to complete tasks-relying on their direct supervisor, then they will be viewed as someone that can fit a team mentality."

The "golden rule" of protocol is: no matter what needs to be addressed, always start at the lowest level possible. Whether it’s voicing a complaint or advancing a project, it’s helpful to think of business protocols like a ladder.

"You'd never skip a step on a ladder for safety reasons," said Newman. "When it comes to getting something done at work, don't skip a step there either. People who circumvent others can cause a real problem."

Newman recently worked on a project where he and his team skipped two people in a process. Once those people got wind of it, significant changes had to be made because of things they simply didn't know.

"If we hadn't skipped steps our project would not have gotten off track," said Newman, who served ten years in the Army.

A lack of protocol can throw your career off track too.

• If you show a lack of respect for others' expertise or opinions, they may return the favor.
• Leaving others out of the loop may make you look like a troublemaker or like you are not a team player.
• When you don't consult the right leaders they may look bad---as if they are not competent at solving problems.
• By not using the chain of command, you risk missing the opportunity to get valuable help, resources or information to get the job done.

So before you pick up the phone, send off an email, or walk through an office door, protect your career by knowing, understanding and using the proper protocol to get you point across.