How to Disagree Better | Julia Minson

Disagreements are inevitable. But why is it that some disagreements push conversations forward, and others devolve into conflict? This week, Harvard Kennedy School professor and behavioral scientist Julia Minson joins our show to help us understand the behavioral science behind disagreements and how to have more productive conversations.

We tend to believe our perception of reality is objective (it isn’t). As a result, we struggle to understand why other people might see the same situation differently. Many conflicts start with this core belief, and Julia helps us comb through the fallacies of human nature that make conflict and disagreement feel so personal. Through her research, we see evidence that healthy ways to communicate openness and vulnerability can influence how others respond, creating a more productive, conversational dynamic.

And then, we get practical. Julia talks strategy and advises on the best ways to approach a difficult conversation, including asking better questions, making our curiosity explicit, and having the humility to understand what we actually know versus what we’re assuming. The goal isn’t to teach you how to win arguments or change someone’s mind; it’s simply to understand why they believe what they do and how to create enough trust to keep the conversation going.

Want to watch this episode? Check it out on our YouTube Channel