* 20 percent of the presentation produces 80 percent of the impact.

Maxwell goes on to point out that we need to develop skills in four areas to be successful and maximize our effectiveness: attitude, relationships, equipping and leadership. But many security pros have given up trying to on improve at all, or only work on improving technical skills.

Key 7: Lead by Moving Beyond Your Position Description. So, how can we avoid this career dead end? What is outside-the-box thinking in a security context? How can all of us gain a wider perspective to help our careers and our business clients?

Here are a few pragmatic strategies:

1) First and foremost, understand that the box placed around your position is a good thing that must be respected. Always complete your stated duties, or you may be labeled as lazy and not respected.