We founded Disagreeing Better, because as researchers and conflict management professionals we recognized a recurring issue: intelligent, well-meaning individuals regularly leave challenging conversations feeling misunderstood, frustrated, and defensive. Or, they avoid such conversations entirely. Nothing destroys relationships, stalls projects, and enables costly errors like disagreement handled poorly.

Julia, a behavioral scientist, has spent twenty years researching the psychological processes that often lead smart people into a downward spiral of conflict. Meanwhile, Heather, a seasoned coach and facilitator, noted how rarely traditional corporate trainings relied on rigorous research. This collaboration led to a new approach – training designed for professionals in the real world based on high-quality scientific research. No fluff, just data.

Our work is grounded in a critical insight: teams require more than just training in empathy and perspective taking. They need a common toolkit for constructive disagreement – tangible behaviors that can be demonstrated, discussed, reflected upon, and assessed.

In our work, we developed a comprehensive playbook, empowering teams to effectively navigate disagreement demonstrate receptiveness to opposing views. Our approach is not theoretical; it is actionable and measurable, equipping organizations with the tools needed to excel at high-stakes, fast-paced conversations.

Now, we are dedicated to teaching teams how to leverage this playbook, transforming disagreement into a powerful catalyst for progress, while continuing to conduct research to uncover new tools and approaches.