Yale SOM Dialogues

Learn Skills. Practice Dialogue. Lead Through Difference.

Yale SOM Dialogues, powered by the Constructive Dialogue Institute and led by the Office of Community Engagement and Dialogue, equips the Yale School of Management community with practical skills to communicate across differences, navigate disagreement, and lead through complexity.

Perspectives is an evidence-based learning experience developed by the Constructive Dialogue Institute. It provides practical tools for understanding differences, managing reactions, communicating through disagreement, and engaging more constructively with others.

Perspectives is available to Yale SOM students, staff, and faculty. By creating a shared language and set of practices, the program strengthens how members of the SOM community learn, work, and lead together.

  • What is constructive dialogue?

    Constructive dialogue is a form of conversation in which people with different perspectives seek to understand one another without abandoning their own beliefs or experiences. It does not require agreement. Instead, it helps participants:

    • Listen with curiosity
    • Examine assumptions
    • Ask thoughtful questions
    • Navigate conflict
    • Build trust
    • Identify common ground
    • Move conversations toward collaboration and action

    These skills support effective leadership in classrooms, workplaces, teams, organizations, and communities.

  • What OCED Will Bring to the Community

    The Office of Community Engagement and Dialogue will connect the lessons from Perspectives to practical learning experiences across Yale SOM. Through Yale SOM Dialogues, OCED will provide:

    • Facilitated conversations and workshops
    • Interactive scenarios and skill-building activities
    • Leadership and professional-development opportunities
    • Tools for navigating difficult conversations
    • Support for student organizations, teams, and departments
    • Opportunities for cross-school and community engagement
    • Resources for applying dialogue skills in real situations

    The goal is to make constructive dialogue an ongoing leadership practice, not a one-time program.

  • Why It Matters

    Yale SOM prepares leaders for business and society. Effective leadership requires the ability to hear different perspectives, respond thoughtfully during disagreement, build productive relationships, and move people toward shared goals.

    Yale SOM Dialogues helps participants develop the confidence and skills to lead through difference with curiosity, clarity, and respect.

  • How to Get Involved

    Join students, staff, and faculty in strengthening dialogue across the Yale SOM community.

    1. Complete Perspectives.
    2. Attend a Yale SOM Dialogues program.
    3. Request a workshop or facilitated conversation.
    4. Partner with the Office of Community Engagement and Dialogue.

  • Find your Link to Sign Up for Perspectives: