The Science and Practice of Constructive Disagreement
Save the Date
January 27, 2027 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
A Zoom Presentation
as part of the HAA Speaker Spotlight Series
The Harvard Club of Cape Cod cordially invites you to what should be a most agreeable and timely Harvard Alumni Association Speaker Spotlight Series presentation on “Constructive Disagreement” by Julia Minson, Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Disagreement can be a source of insight and innovation—or a source of stress and drama. In this talk, Professor Minson, a leading expert on the psychology of disagreement, will share insights from her new book, How to Disagree Better (Penguin Random House, March 2026). Drawing on decades of cutting-edge research, she will offer concrete, evidence-based strategies for improving conversations across disagreement in the workplace, among family members, and in civic life.
During the session participants will have the chance to receive feedback on their own level of receptiveness to opposing views and engage in a live Q&A with Professor Minson.
More about Professor Minson: She is a decision scientist with research interests in conflict management, negotiations, and judgment and decision making. Her main line of research addresses the “psychology of disagreement” – How do people engage with opinions, values, and judgments that conflict with their own?
Her work examines disagreements around hot-button, identity-relevant topics — conflicts around politics, values, and professional and health decision-making. She is interested in simple, scalable interventions to help people become more receptive to opposing views of others.
Julia teaches courses and workshops on negotiations, decision science, and conflict management. Her work has been published in top academic and business outlets as well as widely covered by popular media including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. She is the author of How to Disagree Better, available through Penguin Random House in March 2026.
Mark your calendar today! Details to follow.