* Excel in area of expertise
* Diversify to obtain holistic viewpoint
* Be visible
* Add more dimensions to functioning
* Learn to engage with new set of people and variety of challenges
* Treat it like a serious responsibility
* Do your homework about the company, industry - business model, financials, key challenges, manufacturing facilities, annual reports
* Use your intuitive skills to navigate through
* Be confident. Nothing is rocket science, so there is no reason to feel out of place
* Respect insights of other persons
* Appreciate other's contribution
* Research company's top echleon, reputation, performance, ethics, values, key ideas, strategic and execution plan, balance sheet
* Express your views, ask questions, don't hesitate.
* Be well-prepared
* Build a diverse leadership pipeline and company culture
* Don't be gender bias
* Gain experience to take a big leap from execution committee to board room
* Interact and understand customer
* Network, network, network
* Reskill for effectiveness
* Develop financial literacy
* Be confident about sharing your independent views
* Companies must groom employees for strong business performance
* Diverse perspectives can achieve more balanced decision making with innovative and de-risked outcomes
* Leverage employee's differences to deliver higher standards of corporate governance
* Share your expertise in a meaningful way
* Bring domain knowledge to the table
* Remember, there is always lot to learn
* Prepare, study thoroughly and make crisp observations
* Be aware of regulatory requirements
* Meet peers in other companies
(Adapted from ET dated 3rd April 2015)