
There is nothing more important for the long-term success of your team, department and company than identifying your pipeline and managing your high potentials. Whether you are thinking about who to promote, how to identify your successor or how to be a better manager, this list of things to consider along with some key questions to ponder is a good place to start. In this blog series, we are exploring 25 ways to keep your great employees engaged and help them continue to out-perform everyone else.
This week we examine the purpose behind leadership.
Case 7: The answer to the question of why someone wants to be a manager does not have one right answer. However, in our studies of great leaders, we have come to learn that the best leaders are those who express a purpose that revolves around helping more people, finding ways to serve others in new or unique ways and implementing new strategies and ideas that will improve the customer/guest/patient experience in meaningful ways.
During your realistic job preview with any/all candidates for leadership roles, ask each person these questions and give them a few days to think to see if they are really ready.
20. Why do you want to be a manager/leader?
21. Are you willing to give up your individual contributor/Subject-Matter Expert (SME) tasks to others?
22. Are you willing to work longer hours and be at the mercy of your team?
23. Are you willing to recognize your team when things go well but accept the blame when things go wrong?
24. Are you a good counselor/coach and are you willing to do this frequently?
25. Is moving up more important to you than performing your current role with excellence?
To read other blog posts including more of the “25 Questions to Ponder to Improve Your Talent Pipeline and Manage Your High,” visit
- Part 1 – Where You’re Spending Your Time
- Part 2 – Developing Your Subject-Matter Experts (SMEs)
- Part 3 – Politicians vs. Performers
- Part 4 – Leadership Attention to Talent
- Part 5 – Leadership: Do They Want It and Are They Ready?
- Part 6 – Openness to Innovation
- Part 7 – The Purpose Behind Leadership

Talent Plus
Talent Plus is a team of industry experts who collaborate to deliver insightful and impactful content. Our blogs are designed to provide practical advice and fresh perspectives, helping you stay informed and ahead of the curve.
Latest Posts: Blog

Blog April 25, 2025
Building a Better Healthcare Team: Nebraska Spine Hospital’s Data-Driven Talent Approach
Find out how Nebraska Spine Hospital partners with Talent Plus to enhance employee engagement and organizational culture.
Read More
Blog April 08, 2025
How to Manage Difficult People
Master how to manage difficult people at work with six effective strategies for maintaining productivity and engagement.
Read More
Blog February 27, 2025
Leading With Purpose: Seven Qualities of a Good Manager
Explore the 7 qualities of a good manager and enhance your leadership skills for greater team success and communication.
Read More
Blog February 15, 2025
First Time Manager Tips — Five Strategies for Success
Are you a first-time manager? Learn valuable tips and strategies to succeed in your new role and make a positive impact.
Read More
Blog February 03, 2025
Personalizing the Employee Recognition Experience
Discover the power of tailored employee recognition examples to increase engagement and reduce turnover in your organization.
Read More
Blog January 14, 2025
Engaging Remote Employees: 4 Best Practices for Leaders
Unlock the power of remote employee engagement with these practical and effective activities. Build a strong team and boost morale.
Read More