Properly evaluating a leader begins with understanding how leadership and a leader are defined. Rue and Byars (2010) state that “leadership is the ability to influence people to willingly follow your lead or adhere to your decisions” (p. 255). Rue and Byars (2010) define a leader as someone who “gains followers and influences them in setting and achieving goals” (p. 255). These two definitions pointed in the direction of valuing someone who is influential and trustworthy. The two characteristics brought to mind the administrative director of the laboratory at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. The director has over forty years of experience in the medical field along with thirty years of leadership. This leader was selected for evaluation because of the growth process he has witnessed over the last nineteen years of his career. On a daily basis, this leader is responsible for ensuring that customer needs are met through staff actions. To be more concise, it must ensure that managers and supervisors have support and direction by establishing clear expectations (Rue & Byars, 2010). Professionally represents the laboratory within the healthcare system. Reaches out to patients and staff and encourages employee engagement to meet customer needs by demonstrating enthusiasm in their interactions (Rue & Byars, 2010). His role is to ensure that everyone is able to perform their specific job functions and help remove obstacles when they occur. Direct reports include the laboratory general manager, processing and receiving manager, quality specialist, and procurement coordinator. The general manager of the laboratory is responsible for the technical areas in which tests are carried out... middle of paper... Has the ability to recognize and use the talent around her, and is able to admit mistakes and learn from them . . He demonstrates a desire to learn on a daily basis and earned his master's degree late in his career. She remains relevant within her competencies that continue to keep her credible in the eyes of those around her (Covey, 2006). A final thought from Covey (2006) says it all about the director and the passion she shows on a daily basis: "In everyone's life, at a certain point, our inner fire goes out. It is then caught fire by the encounter with another human being We should all be grateful for those people who rekindle the spirit within” (p. 322). Covey, S. (2006). , Byars, L. (2010). Supervision: Key Link to Productivity (10th ed.).