Dealing With Know-it-all People

Know-it-all people often create problems in personal or professional relationships. Their behavior irritates us, perhaps they have more experience and knowledge than others, but that does not give them the right to act as if they know everything, as if they are always right. Let’s see in this article how to deal with know-it-all people.

In the workplace, unfortunately, most employees deal with at least one colleague or know-it-all boss. Working with such a person turns into a tortuous path that can hinder our professional development and even end up making us quit our job. It is therefore important to know the proper strategies for dealing with know-it-all people.

Strategies for dealing with know-it-all people

To deal with know-it-alls, the following strategies may be helpful:

1. Try to be understanding

The co-worker may be irritating, but remember that  their behavior may be due to a lack of trust or a deeper personal problem.

Instead of getting angry, no matter how great the temptation is, don’t seek confrontation, but empathy, to try to change the way you approach. If you show him that the ladder he is climbing does not favor him, the person himself, of his own accord, will want to go down.

2. Choose your battles

Dealing with a know-it-all can be disheartening and sometimes the best thing to do is ignore his “helpful advice”. Mislead his comments with a simple “thanks for the tip” instead of engaging in a lengthy discussion.

3. Lead by example

A boss or leader, in particular, must learn that in many cases it is not only good not to know everything, but it is even advisable. By saying “I don’t know, but let’s try to find answers or good ideas” shows that you are flexible and open to different opinions. Even saying “I don’t know” can generate trust, as it demonstrates openness, vulnerability and honesty.

4. Arm yourself with arguments

If you are making a presentation, selling an idea, or addressing an assembly, be sure of the arguments presented. Check the sources and the facts. The more knowledge you have, the harder it will be for a know-it-all to try to override you.

When in a meeting, appeal to a schedule, which must be made public in advance, and estimate a specific amount of time for each speech. Arrive prepared with data and statistics in writing, so if the know-it-all person interrupts you, you will have something written to share with the assembly. The more prepared you are, the less room the know-it-all will have to occupy yours.

The good thing is, if you get in his way two or three times, he will stop behaving like this with you, in fact people don’t usually repeat the behaviors that have not been successful.

5. Maintain a sense of humor

Know-it-all people can get defensive and in some cases even be aggressive. The last thing to do is confront know-it-all people with their backs to the wall. So while it is very tempting to use sarcasm, it would undoubtedly be counterproductive.

Instead, breathe deeply and say, “I didn’t know! How strange! “. Laugh to remind yourself that your behavior is often harmless. A friendly expression or comment can relieve any tension.

6. Ask in-depth questions

Be respectful, but ask detailed questions to “catch” a know-it-all. Ask why he believes something is true and what its sources are. / Asking direct questions about specific details can teach a know-it-all that he must inform himself before speaking.

7. Provide constructive criticism to the person about their behavior

Know-it-all people may not know the effect of their behavior on others. If you suspect this is the case, consider reporting this to him discreetly and tactfully in a private conversation. The important thing is that the other person feels motivated to analyze their own behavior and does not feel personally attacked. In that case, we could achieve the opposite effect, intensifying his “unbearable” way of relating.

Don’t forget that know-it-alls can be very insecure, so it could be a blow to their ego. Remind them that it is important for the group, but even more so for others, to have a space in which to feel useful.

8. Avoid involving the boss as long as know-it-all people are not a threat to the job

If you have no alternative, be positive and, instead of complaining about the know-it-all, focus on what you are willing to do to make sure the job is done right. If the situation becomes really unbearable, talk to the boss and let him know how the colleague’s behavior is affecting the group and the working environment.

These are just a few strategies that can be helpful in dealing with know-it-alls. However, dealing with these subjects is above all an exercise in patience that challenges our emotional intelligence and our communication skills.