How to Disagree Better

“This book will change your conversations, your negotiations, your relationships, and your life. Compelling, urgent, and deeply practical, this is the book we need in this moment.”—Katy Milkman, author of How to Change and host of the podcast Choiceology“This brilliant book provides a roadmap for disagreeing without bitterness, leading to more happiness and less conflict. This is the book we all need today.”—Arthur C. Brooks, author of From Strength to Strength“To reach the right decision, disagreement is often necessary—but it has its risks. In this wonderful book, Julia Minson shows us how to disagree in the best possible way.”—Carol Dweck, author of Mindset“We don’t need to disagree less—we need to argue more respectfully, and this book reveals how. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of the science and practice of constructive disagreement, Julia Minson offers lessons for fighting well that are both timely and timeless.”—Adam Grant, author of Think Again and host of the podcast Re:Thinking“Julia Minson wants you to know that disagreement, done better, really does lead to better decisions. Weaving rigorous research and vivid storytelling, How to Disagree Better is a must read for anyone seeking to foster mutual understanding, constructive dialogue, and more effective outcomes at work and at home.”—Amy C. Edmondson, author of The Fearless Organization“Finally! A book about how to disagree better, based on actual science! A must read for anyone who is avoiding a hard conversation in their life (which is to say, everyone).” —Amanda Ripley, author of High Conflict“Julia Minson delivers a research-backed guide for turning polarization into productive dialogue—timely insight for a country searching for common ground.”—Spencer Cox, governor of Utah

Julia Minson is a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School. She is a behavioral scientist with extensive research experience in conflict, communication, negotiations, and decision-making. Her primary line of research addresses the “psychology of disagreement”—how people engage with opinions, judgments, and decisions that differ from their own. Her work has been published in top academic outlets and covered by CNN, TIME, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.