Amazon.com Amazon.com Review (ISBN 0375501797, Hardcover)

Since entering the nascent field of sports law 25 years ago--before athletes were guaranteed the right of legal representation--Leigh Steinberg has epitomized the high-profile sports agent, successfully negotiating over $2 billion in contracts for superstars like Troy Aikman, Steve Young, and Ryan Leaf. Just as importantly, he has done so with honor and was (according to director Cameron Crowe) a prime inspiration for the agent with a heart in the film Jerry Maguire. Now, arguing that value-driven negotiating techniques can prove equally productive in other settings, Steinberg lays out his step-by-step process in Winning with Integrity: Getting What You're Worth Without Selling Your Soul. Steinberg takes a holistic view on the art of negotiation. In the introduction, he writes:

This is a book about the process of negotiation--which means that this is a book about life.... Too many people would rather simply give up what they want. They would rather avoid the discomfort of possible conflict by accepting a situation or terms without discussion, even when it means accepting less than they rightfully deserve or desire.

Steinberg analyzes the entire negotiating process--from preparation and positioning through the actual negotiation and celebratory handshake. And not surprisingly, he enlivens his advice with colorful and entertaining stories taken from his dealings with notable adversaries ranging from the NFL's Jerry Jones to the NBA's Larry Bird. Suggestions for crafting an initial offer with different types of opponents are exceptionally insightful, but the real heart of the material concerns the period between counteroffer and deal signing, where Steinberg candidly explains how he realizes his goals without violating his principles. --Howard Rothman