The Number One Quality Google's Boss Looks For in Employees

In the past few years, Asia-Pacific has added 100 million new internet users. As Google's regional head, Chadha said she wants team members who are adaptable and open to change. "I look for people who want to exchange ideas, who want to innovate, who are not satisfied with the status quo," she said.

According to Chadha, the best Googlers have in common a growth mindset, a willingness to constantly learn and a belief that one can always improve.

She revealed that she often uses one question in interviews: What’s the last thing you learned? The candidate’s answer will help employers discover what they are doing to truly improve themselves. Are they learning something outside their comfort zone? The answer is not only a sign of a growth mindset but also a person’s willingness to “exchange information and collaborate.”

Google's VP commented that this is an important quality to have in the context of a constantly changing world. The exchange of knowledge will encourage an environment of healthy learning and growth.

Another thing Chadha looks for is whether people are willing to admit mistakes and learn from them. “They might try something and it doesn’t work out the first time, but they realize they can improve. That’s important.”

One way to continually upgrade yourself, she suggests, is to “view your career not as a ladder to climb but as a ‘jungle gym.’” She tends to look for people who are not only focused on vertical growth, but also thinking about expanding their horizons and skill sets to be more versatile in the future.

For example, she had the opportunity to move from product management to HR at her previous company. She felt uncertain at first, but it ended up being the job that helped her grow the most. It allowed her to think at a higher level and work closely with top executives, which has greatly influenced her leadership style today.

Upgrading your skills is especially important to stay relevant to the jobs and opportunities of the future. New technology trends emerge every year, just as we spent time learning web development when the Internet exploded, or learning how to write and use apps when mobile took off. Likewise, the next job will be very different, especially with the advancement of artificial intelligence, where some skills may no longer be necessary.

Chadha encourages all employees in all fields and industries to at least learn the basics of AI so they don’t fall behind. If you’re not using AI solutions, you’re already behind. ChatGPT has fueled interest in generative AI over the past year, and businesses are looking for ways to incorporate AI into their operations. So, Chadha says, use that as motivation to learn something new outside your field, whether it’s through an online course, in person, or from colleagues, or the latest news.