Ghazal Alagh, Co-founder and Chief Mama at Mamaearth, has shared her unique approach to building strong teams. In a recent LinkedIn post, the entrepreneur and Shark Tank India investor revealed three questions she always asks when hiring or partnering.
Alagh, who also leads brands like The Derma Co, Dr. Sheth’s, Aqualogica, and BBlunt, said these questions help her read the “unsaid” and uncover real motivations.
‘Reading the unsaid’ is Crucial
According to Alagh, one of the most important skills for any entrepreneur is the ability to pick up on what is not openly expressed. She believes candidates often come prepared with their achievements but rarely share their regrets or weaknesses.
“Over the years, I’ve developed my own little toolkit for cutting through posturing and uncovering real motivations,” she wrote.
The Three Questions
The first question Alagh asks is: “What’s a mistake you made at work, and what did you do next?”
She explained, “People have a long list of their wins, but rarely do they share their mistakes or the biggest regret they have.” This, she added, shows whether someone takes ownership or blames circumstances.
The second question is: “Who do you admire most, inside or outside your field, and why?”
Alagh said a person’s heroes reveal their values. “You can tell everything about a person’s character and aspirations by who they look up to and what qualities they respect,” she noted.
The third question is: “If you secretly had your way, what’s the one thing you’d change about how we work?”
While this helps understand a new hire’s thought process, Alagh pointed out that it is equally relevant for existing team members. It shows innovative thinking without the pressure of formal feedback. “People are more honest when they think they’re sharing a secret wish rather than giving official input,” she said.
Why These Questions Matter
Alagh believes the first question reveals accountability, the second uncovers values, and the third exposes creativity or frustrations. She said the last question often gets answered with “a spark in their eyes”, signalling ambition or long-suppressed ideas.
“These questions have repeatedly saved me from mismatches, and sometimes also surfaced hidden gems,” she wrote.
Inviting Conversation
The post concluded with Alagh asking her followers: “What’s your go-to question for seeing through the surface in professional relationships?”
Her insights have sparked engagement among entrepreneurs and professionals on LinkedIn, with many sharing their own approaches to hiring and team building.
For Alagh, it is clear that the right questions can reveal much more than a resume. They can uncover the mindset, values, and hidden potential of a person before they join the team.
Kanimozhi Sivakumar
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