> His repeated threats to leave, as well as lies about other offers, only worked because the company in question was already struggling and needed to hold onto

> His repeated threats to leave, as well as lies about other offers, only worked because the company in question was already struggling and needed to hold onto him for fear of not finding a replacement. It's called leverage. Or a strong negotiating position. Or whatever else. Point being that he was valuable to them, knew it, and was willing to use that. This is how any and every negotiation plays out.