
Harvard Psychologist: The Reason Your Arguments Always Fail (Do This Instead) - Dr. Julia Minson
From The Greg McKeown Podcast by Greg McKeown
May 5, 2026 · 1h 45m
About this episode
Dr. Julia Minson discusses the science of receptiveness and why effective listening is more influential than persuasive arguments in disagreements.
Most of us walk into disagreements armed with arguments, ready to persuade, but Harvard behavioral scientist Dr. Julia Minson's research reveals that persuasion is actually the goal you're least likely to achieve. In this episode, she unpacks the hidden science of receptiveness: why the most influential people in any room aren't the loudest voices, but the best listeners. 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 work has been published in top academic outlets and covered by CNN, TIME, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. Get her book How to Disagree Better here: https://amzn.to/3QFUypd New here? I am a two-time New York Times bestselling author and one of the most sought-after public speakers globally, having spoken to over 500 companies while traveling to more than 40 countries. My clients include Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Nike. My work has been covered in print media, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, Time, Fast Company, Fortune, Politico, Inc., and Harvard Business Review. It has also been…
People in this episode
Host: Greg McKeown
Guest: Dr. Julia Minson
Topics covered
- persuasion
- communication
- listening
- conflict resolution
- behavioral science
Keywords
- arguments
- persuasion
- listening
- conflict
- communication
- decision-making
- behavioral science
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Harvard Kennedy School, CNN, TIME, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Nike
Products: How to Disagree Better
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