Love that Google applies it’s expertise in data analytics to understanding internal leadership at Google. Historically, technical expertise was the primary requirement for leadership there. Surprisingly, here’s what they found:

But Mr. Bock’s group found that technical expertise — the ability, say, to write computer code in your sleep — ranked dead last among Google’s big eight. What employees valued most were even-keeled bosses who made time for one-on-one meetings, who helped people puzzle through problems by asking questions, not dictating answers, and who took an interest in employees’ lives and careers.

Not that this is a surprise but it sure is interesting that a technically driven company is looking more closely at the important of soft skills in innovation and product development.

Full article “Google’s Quest to Build a Better Boss“