The Negotiator's Compass™

Most people think they have to choose between being decent and being effective in tough conversations. This book proves you don't—and shows exactly how to do both.

by Howard H. Thaw

The Negotiator's Compass Book Cover

Is This Book For You?

This book is for anyone who's ever walked into a conversation that mattered and wondered how to stay true to themselves while still getting what they need.

Leaders

Navigating conflicting stakeholder interests while maintaining integrity and building trust

Founders

Facing investors who play hardball while protecting your vision and values

Professionals

Dealing with office politics and difficult conversations while advancing your career

Parents

Negotiating with teenagers and family members while maintaining relationships

"Outcomes matter—and so does how you get there."

Master Conversations
That Matter

In a world where everything feels like a zero-sum game, this isn't just helpful—it's absolutely necessary.

Negotiation isn't about winning—it's about earning outcomes that matter through respect, clarity, and courage. This playbook will teach you to negotiate in a way you can be proud of, because outcomes matter—and so does how you get there.

The Missing Piece in Negotiation Education

Getting to Yes works beautifully when both sides want to collaborate. Never Split the Difference offers tactical wisdom from hostage negotiations. But what about the space between—the everyday conversations where you need to be both principled and effective?

That's the gap this book fills.

"You don't win negotiations. You earn them."

What You'll Learn

I

How to Be Awesome in Every Conversation

18 foundational principles like "Be a Mensch First," "Dig Deeper," and "Tell the Truth" that create the character backbone for effective negotiation.

II

How to Stay Awesome When Others Don't Play Fair

Resilience strategies for when others don't share your commitment to fairness—handling aggression, dishonesty, desperation, and chaos with grace and effectiveness.

III

The Complete Negotiator's Toolkit & Mindset

Advanced frameworks like the Iceberg Model and the NickyNork™ Mindset for recognizing breakthrough opportunities in complex negotiations.

Why Howard H. Thaw

I've spent decades at tables where the stakes were real and the people across from me weren't always playing by the same rules. I've negotiated with narcissists, chaos-makers, and reasonable people alike. I've built companies, advised leaders through crises, and navigated conversations that could make or break relationships, careers, and ventures.

This isn't theory drawn from case studies. It's wisdom extracted from real rooms where outcomes mattered—where being too soft meant getting steamrolled, but being too hard meant burning bridges you couldn't afford to lose.

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Read the First Chapter

Get a taste of what's inside The Negotiator's Compass™

Chapter Preview

From "The Negotiator's Compass™"
"You don't win negotiations. You earn them."

Negotiation isn't about winning—it's about earning outcomes that matter through respect, clarity, and courage. How you negotiate doesn't just shape the deal. It shapes your direction. It shapes your legacy.

Every negotiation is a chance to align—to clarify, to connect, to honor your values, and to build relationships grounded in trust. How you approach those moments matters deeply. How you show up becomes your compass.

Because at the heart of every negotiation is not just strategy—but integrity. This book is about negotiating in a way that you can be proud of—because outcomes matter—and so does how you get there.

Your Turn

So, what will your next negotiation say about you? Step in with clarity. Lead with care. Negotiate like outcomes—and people—truly matter.

Workshops

Learn negotiation skills hands-on with Howard H. Thaw

Executive Negotiation Masterclass

Master high-stakes negotiations with advanced strategies and real-world simulations.

Coming Soon

Team Negotiation Workshop

Build organizational negotiation capabilities with collaborative training sessions.

Coming Soon

Sales Negotiation Bootcamp

Transform your sales approach with ethical negotiation techniques that build trust.

Coming Soon

Book Howard for Speaking

Transform your organization's approach to negotiation with Howard's proven expertise.

Services Available

Keynote Speaking

Inspiring talks on negotiation, leadership, and communication

Corporate Training

Customized programs for teams and organizations

Workshop Facilitation

Interactive sessions based on The Negotiator's Compass™

Coming Soon

Speaking engagement booking will be available soon. Get notified when it launches!