By looking at leadership supervisory behaviors, along with the character of the supervisor themselves, as falling on a continuum of behaviors, this book offers fresh insights into the relationship between the leader/supervisor and their direct reports. Using a spectrum, with empathy of the leader as a distinguishing variable, it discusses how a leader can develop from an uncivil supervisor to an effective one; how a leader who needs to change their character before being able to be a better supervisor can be recognized and developed; and how to identify where on the spectrum a particular leader would fit.

Ultimately, the book serves as a model of leadership characterization and development useful to academic scholars as well as scholar-practitioners who coach and consult in leadership development and to leaders at all levels in organizations.