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.
"The rare book that shows you how to win without losing yourself… A must-read for anyone navigating business, family, relationships — all of it."
— Amazon review, United States
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.
Navigating conflicting stakeholder interests while maintaining integrity and building trust
Facing investors who play hardball while protecting your vision and values
Dealing with office politics and difficult conversations while advancing your career
Negotiating with teenagers and family members while maintaining relationships
"Outcomes matter—and so does how you get there."Get the Book
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.
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."
18 foundational principles like "Be a Mensch First," "Dig Deeper," and "Tell the Truth" that create the character backbone for effective negotiation.
Resilience strategies for when others don't share your commitment to fairness—handling aggression, dishonesty, desperation, and chaos with grace and effectiveness.
Advanced frameworks like the Iceberg Model and the NickyNork™ Mindset for recognizing breakthrough opportunities in complex negotiations.
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"The rare book that shows you how to win without losing yourself… A must-read for anyone navigating business, family, relationships — all of it."
— Amazon review, United States
"Imbued with a rare wisdom, Thaw makes a strong case that the best negotiators focus not on strategy but on core values that help them get to yes."
— Peter Moreira, Amazon review, Canada
"A tremendous help to me in both my professional and personal life… Highly recommend."
— Jeff M, Amazon review, Canada
"Easy to follow. Simplifies a complicated process. Truly will improve negotiation skills."
— Amazon review, Canada
Get a taste of what's inside 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.
So, what will your next negotiation say about you? Step in with clarity. Lead with care. Negotiate like outcomes—and people—truly matter.
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The Negotiator's Compass™ is a negotiation book by Dr. Howard H. Thaw built on one idea: who you are is how you negotiate. Part One, "Find Your Bearings," is a practical guide to navigating conversations that matter — proving you don't have to choose between being decent and being effective.
Leaders navigating stakeholder conflict, founders facing hardball investors, professionals dealing with office politics, and parents negotiating with family — anyone who wants to stay true to themselves while still getting what they need.
Dr. Howard H. Thaw is a veteran commercial pilot, flight instructor, entrepreneur, and senior executive whose career spans technology, medical research, forensic science, and business leadership across multiple continents. He is the creator of The Negotiator's Compass™ framework and is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The book is available on Amazon in 14+ countries. Visit negotiatorscompass.com/buy and you'll be routed automatically to your local Amazon marketplace. It holds a 5.0-star rating on Amazon.
Yes — keynote speaking, corporate training, and workshop facilitation based on The Negotiator's Compass™. Use the inquiry form on this site to ask about availability.
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