How to Disagree Better

Celebrated Harvard Kennedy School Professor and behavioral scientist Julia Minson has devoted her career to understanding the psychology of disagreement and its relevance to negotiations, conflict-resolution, and decision-making. In this revolutionary book, Minson reveals the counterintuitive secret to living a life of less drama and more impact
How many times have you tried to resolve a dispute by overwhelming someone with a flood of facts, appealing to your counterpart’s emotions, or pointing out the hypocrisy of their arguments only to end up in an even deeper disagreement than when you started? Julia Minson’s two decades of research into the science of disagreement uncovers two insights that can change every disagreement: persuasion doesn’t work nearly as well as we think it does, and displaying receptiveness to opposing views is the key to not only preventing conflict, but also to forging stronger relationships and making better decisions.
The science shows that receptive individuals don’t just fight less, they also get more done—they are better negotiators, better peacemakers, and yes, better influencers than the rest of us. Through original research and case studies, How to Disagree Better will show you:
- Why persuasion doesn’t work as well as you think it does- How you can reach better conflict outcomes simply by signaling receptiveness- That disagreeing well is a skill all of us can learn- How to apply these ideas at home with your partner and kids, as well as at work in your negotiations and decision-making
By practicing receptiveness, you’ll see your conflicts soften, your conversations deepen, and your relationships grow stronger. You will create a richer, wiser, kinder life for yourself and for those around you—and you will find them agreeing with you a little more often, too.

Julia Minson