College of Idaho’s Andrew Ellestad Shares Perspective on the Lost Art of Disagreeing Well

In an increasingly polarized world, disagreement is inevitable—but how we disagree can make all the difference.

Andrew Ellestad, associate professor of business and director of The College of Idaho’s Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) program, explores the importance of constructive disagreement in a new opinion piece published by the Idaho Capital Sun.

In his op-ed, “The lost art of disagreeing well: In Idaho, we need these ground rules to truly solve conflicts,” Ellestad examines how communities, organizations and individuals can approach conflict in ways that promote understanding and productive problem-solving rather than division.

At the heart of Ellestad’s argument is a simple principle: people can challenge ideas without attacking the people who hold them.

“Disagreement is not the problem,” Ellestad writes. “The problem is how we disagree.”

Drawing on principles of leadership, communication and conflict resolution, Ellestad outlines practical “ground rules” for navigating disagreement—including challenging claims rather than character, listening to understand, assuming good intentions when possible and focusing on solutions rather than winning arguments.

The topic reflects the broader mission of The College of Idaho’s MAOL program, which prepares students to become dynamic, ethical and influential leaders in organizations and communities. The program’s interdisciplinary curriculum includes coursework in leadership theory, organizational behavior, leadership ethics, effective organizational communication, negotiation and conflict resolution, and organizational change.

“Leadership isn’t simply about having the right answers,” Ellestad said. “It’s also about creating environments where people can disagree, learn from one another and work toward better solutions.”

The MAOL program is designed for both aspiring and experienced professionals across industries and offers a flexible, 100% online format. Students can complete the 36-credit program in as little as 12 months while developing practical leadership skills they can apply directly in their professional lives.

Ellestad brings more than 15 years of experience in corporate operations, technology and business development to his work at The College of Idaho. His academic and professional work focuses on leadership, ethical decision-making, organizational performance and building effective teams.

His latest Idaho Capital Sun op-ed represents an opportunity to bring those leadership concepts into a broader public conversation about how Idahoans—and people everywhere—can navigate differences more productively.

Read Andrew Ellestad’s full op-ed in the Idaho Capital Sun:

The lost art of disagreeing well: In Idaho, we need these ground rules to truly solve conflicts

Learn more about The College of Idaho’s Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership:
Explore the MAOL program