--- title: 7 tips for negotiating executive compensation description: It’s time to reframe the conversation around negotiating executive compensation. image: https://blog.aboveboard.com/hubfs/7-tips-for-executive-salary-negotiation_AboveBoard.jpg --- [![EXP-AboveBoard_logo_rev](https://blog.aboveboard.com/hubfs/EXP-AboveBoard_logo_rev.png)](https://www.aboveboard.com/) - [How it Works](https://www.aboveboard.com/how-it-works) - [For Executives](https://www.aboveboard.com/how-it-works) - [For Hiring Companies](https://www.aboveboard.com/partners) - [Hiring Companies](https://www.aboveboard.com/partners) - [About](https://www.aboveboard.com/about-us) - [Contact](https://www.aboveboard.com/contact) - [Login](http://platform.aboveboard.com/?_gl=1*1dsh2z7*_ga*MTc3MjQzODE3My4xNjIwMjQ4Nzky*_ga_RHHWL2TM2R*MTYyMDYzNTI1My44LjEuMTYyMDYzNTMzNi40NA..&_ga=2.130629578.479589033.1620580731-1772438173.1620248792) [JOIN TODAY](https://platform.aboveboard.com/signup) - [How it Works](https://www.aboveboard.com/how-it-works) - [For Executives](https://www.aboveboard.com/how-it-works) - [For Hiring Companies](https://www.aboveboard.com/partners) - [Hiring Companies](https://www.aboveboard.com/partners) - [About](https://www.aboveboard.com/about-us) - [Contact](https://www.aboveboard.com/contact) - [Login](http://platform.aboveboard.com/?_gl=1*1dsh2z7*_ga*MTc3MjQzODE3My4xNjIwMjQ4Nzky*_ga_RHHWL2TM2R*MTYyMDYzNTI1My44LjEuMTYyMDYzNTMzNi40NA..&_ga=2.130629578.479589033.1620580731-1772438173.1620248792) [JOIN TODAY](https://platform.aboveboard.com/signup) show x [![Share on linkedin](https://blog.aboveboard.com/hubfs/linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.aboveboard.com/negotiating-executive-compensation&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://blog.aboveboard.com/hubfs/twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.aboveboard.com/negotiating-executive-compensation&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://blog.aboveboard.com/negotiating-executive-compensation&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on facebook](https://blog.aboveboard.com/hubfs/facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.aboveboard.com/negotiating-executive-compensation&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on email](https://blog.aboveboard.com/hubfs/email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.aboveboard.com/negotiating-executive-compensation&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.aboveboard.com/negotiating-executive-compensation&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) - [Blog Home](https://blog.aboveboard.com/) - [Resources](https://blog.aboveboard.com/tag/resources) - [Success Stories](https://blog.aboveboard.com/tag/success-stories) - [Notes from Lucinda](https://blog.aboveboard.com/tag/notes-from-lucinda) - [Candid Conversations](https://blog.aboveboard.com/tag/candid-conversations) [Blog Home](https://blog.aboveboard.com/) > [Resources](https://blog.aboveboard.com/tag/resources) [![A man wearing a blazer holds a cup of coffee while speaking on a cell phone.](https://blog.aboveboard.com/hubfs/7-tips-for-executive-salary-negotiation_AboveBoard.jpg)](https://blog.aboveboard.com/negotiating-executive-compensation) [Resources](https://blog.aboveboard.com/tag/resources) ## 7 tips for negotiating executive compensation ![AboveBoard](https://blog.aboveboard.com/hubfs/EXP-AboveBoard_Twitter_profile_400x400-011421.png) [AboveBoard](https://blog.aboveboard.com/author/aboveboard) | Oct 13, 2022 ### Self-advocacy and action steps for value-based negotiation. It’s time to reframe the conversation around negotiating executive compensation. Forget the power plays or the overemphasis on salary. Instead, center these all-important discussions on *value*. It’s more effective, helps you see the big picture, and will guide you toward negotiating from a place of confidence and strength.  Value-based executive salary negotiation doesn’t have to be complex. Ahead, we’ve outlined the do’s and don’ts of negotiating your executive compensation package as well as how to approach these conversations from a mindset standpoint. Let’s get started. ## **The do’s and don’ts of negotiating executive compensation** ### Don’t: Leave money, opportunities on the table Do: Research thoroughly and set priorities accordingly According to Harvard Law School’s [Program on Negotiation](https://www.pon.harvard.edu/daily/negotiation-skills-daily/5-common-negotiation-mistakes-and-how-you-can-avoid-them/), one of the top negotiation mistakes is “fail\[ing\] to thoroughly prepare.” In-depth research and goal setting can be the difference between successfully negotiating an executive compensation package and missing out on potential executive perks to negotiate, or worse, even leaving money on the table.  “You may think you’ve prepared thoroughly if you have strong opinions about what you want to get out of the deal, but that’s far from sufficient,” according to PON. “Wise negotiators understand the importance of taking ample time to analyze several aspects of negotiation carefully.”    So, how do you set goals or priorities when it comes to negotiating executive compensation?  The framework presented in *Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In*, a [publication](https://www.pon.harvard.edu/shop/getting-to-yes-negotiating-agreement-without-giving-in/) based on the work of the Harvard Negotiation Project, suggests first establishing a “best alternative to a negotiated agreement” or BATNA. Think of the BATNA as your contingency plan. The authors of *Getting to Yes* also recommend defining “your *reservation value*, or your walkaway point, and to try to estimate the other party’s BATNA.” From here, you’ll have a strong frame of reference to guide you throughout the executive salary negotiation process. ### Don’t: See negotiation as all-or-nothing Do: Prepare a strategic, yet flexible plan  Before planning your executive salary negotiation strategy, it can be helpful to take a step back and think through your approach from a mindset standpoint. Oftentimes, it’s easier or more simplistic to see negotiation as a form of confrontation rather than an opportunity for collaboration. With the former, it’s about playing hardball to get what you want. But employing an aggressive approach, especially too early in the negotiation process, can actually work to your disadvantage, according to [CIO Magazine](https://www.cio.com/article/274922/careers-staffing-10-mistakes-to-avoid-when-negotiating-a-raise.html). Some candidates who began negotiations from a position of aggression or even anger have had their offers rescinded, per the magazine.  Instead, prepare for your executive job offer negotiation with a flexible, collaborative mindset. Being flexible doesn’t mean giving up what’s important to you; rather, it’s about keeping your priorities in focus while engaging in a conversation aimed at a mutually beneficial end.  Ultimately, you can think of negotiating executive compensation as another opportunity for your prospective employer to see your character and leadership in action. How you engage throughout these conversations can be just as important as what you’re negotiating. ### Don’t: Focus on salary alone Do: Consider the entire compensation package  Of course, having the value you bring to the table reflected in your salary is important. But it’s not the only component of negotiating executive compensation. There are several factors that make up executive compensation, from job title and benefits to bonuses and equity.  Negotiating an executive compensation package is where crafting your “best alternative to a negotiated agreement” or BATNA will be incredibly helpful. For instance, if the organization cannot meet your salary requirements, perhaps it’s possible to up the value of your compensation package through other means. ## **Executive salary negotiation as a minority or underrepresented executive** For minority or underrepresented executive candidates, negotiating executive compensation can be far from straightforward. [Research](https://www.pon.harvard.edu/daily/leadership-skills-daily/counteracting-racial-and-gender-bias-in-job-negotiations-nb/) shows that the realities of implicit bias, some stemming from gender or racial stereotypes, can be setbacks when it comes to negotiating an executive compensation package. But in light of some of these challenges, there are still steps underrepresented executives can take to advocate for themselves and what they deserve.  First, it’s important to understand the need to negotiate in the first place. One of the top mistakes women make is “not being confident enough to negotiate,” says [WIN](https://www.winsummit.com/blog/common-mistakes-women-make-in-negotiations) (Women in Negotiation), an organization devoted to empowering women’s negotiation skills. The same goes for minority and underrepresented candidates too. Any time you accept an executive job offer at face value, you’re likely accepting the lowest offer available, leaving money and opportunities on the table.  Negotiation is not only a necessary aspect of securing an executive-level post, it’s also expected. Think of negotiation as a means to practice self-advocacy and articulate your value. Don’t let imposter syndrome or minimizing your achievements win the day. Embrace your background, experiences, and accomplishments—all the parts of your story that have brought you this far. If you’re in a place where you’re negotiating executive compensation, the hiring organization has recognized your value. Now, it’s time for you to do the same. ## **Promote equity in the C-suite with AboveBoard** Negotiating executive compensation should be an opportunity for leaders to engage in, not an obstacle to overcome. At AboveBoard, we believe in the power of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to transform people, places, and even processes. That’s why AboveBoard’s innovative executive hiring platform exists—to connect marginalized groups of executives, including Black, Latinx/Hispanic, and women, directly to hiring opportunities at today’s leading companies. Our mission is about more than meeting a quota, and it’s larger than successfully negotiating CEO compensation. Diversifying executive leadership means more representation, which we believe can ultimately lead to inclusive decision making, more fair hiring practices, and better service from society’s top leaders and influences. #### Transparent access to senior leadership and executive roles. Join today for access to career opportunities and helpful resources. 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To join visit www.aboveboard.com #### You Might Also Like [![Two coworkers sit on a sofa together, one is observing as the other types on a laptop computer.](https://blog.aboveboard.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How-to-ask-your-employees-about-diversity-inclusion_AboveBoard.jpg?width=352&name=How-to-ask-your-employees-about-diversity-inclusion_AboveBoard.jpg)](https://blog.aboveboard.com/diversity-inclusion-survey-questions) ##### [How to ask your employees about diversity and inclusion](https://blog.aboveboard.com/diversity-inclusion-survey-questions) Knowledge is power. And when it comes to moving the needle on diversity, equity, and inclusion, a... 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