Leigh Thompson

Leigh Thompson is the J. Jay Gerber Distinguished Professor of Dispute Resolution and Organizations at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, where she also holds a courtesy appointment as Professor of Psychology in the Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences. She serves as Director of the Kellogg Team and Group Research Center and directs several executive education programs including Leading High-Impact Teams, Negotiation Mastery Certificate program, and Constructive Collaboration.

Dr. Thompson's educational background includes:

• PhD in Psychology from Northwestern University (1988)
• MA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Barbara (1984)
• BS from Northwestern University (1982)

Thompson's research focuses on negotiation, creativity, virtual communication, and teamwork. Her work explores how individuals and teams can improve their collaborative processes, with particular attention to virtual environments, gender differences in negotiation, and strategies for enhancing creativity in organizational settings. She has developed innovative frameworks like 'brainwriting' to overcome common team challenges such as social loafing and dominance by vocal members. Her research bridges psychological theory with practical business applications.

Her scholarly output reveals a clear trajectory toward understanding negotiation and collaboration in increasingly digital environments. Over the past five years, her research has evolved from traditional negotiation theory to examining AI-responsive leadership, virtual communication intelligence, and the psychological dynamics of digital collaboration. A consistent theme across her work is the application of psychological principles to practical business challenges, with emphasis on creating value through effective communication and strategic thinking.

Dr. Thompson's recognition includes:

• NCMR Best Article Award from the International Association for Conflict Management (2018)

As an educator and thought leader, Thompson has designed numerous teaching resources including MOOCs on Coursera that have reached over 121,000 learners. She regularly contributes to the Wall Street Journal and Business Insider, translating academic research into practical advice for managers and executives. Her executive education programs at Kellogg focus on high-impact team leadership, negotiation mastery, and constructive collaboration, helping professionals develop essential skills for today's business environment.

Thompson directs the Kellogg Team and Group Research Center, where her team investigates team dynamics, negotiation processes, and collaborative creativity. Her research center produces actionable insights for organizations seeking to optimize team performance in both physical and virtual environments, with particular focus on inclusive collaboration practices that ensure all voices are heard and valued.