Dealing with the Know-It-All

Do you work with some who knows everything? Yes the one who thinks they are the go to person with the special connections? If someone has a question they know the answer? There is a problem they have a solution? They feel they have all the facts and all the experience. They also aren’t open to new ideas or working with others because they have

resilient opinions and share in an intolerable manner.

Most likely you have at least encountered on in the workplace…
Here are three ideas for dealing with the know-it-all worker:

Choose your battles

Fighting every battle isn’t worth it so choose wisely and keep an eye on the War not Battle. These types of people can be exhausting so at times ignoring them is best. When they give their input which they will just say “Thanks for the suggestion” rather than engage into a conversation.
Know your facts

When you are leading a meeting or making a presentation be prepared. Double check your facts and be well prepared. The more you know the less likely the know-it-all will butt in and try to one-up-you.

Ask questions:

An interesting thing about know-it-alls is that they do not know-it-all. They pretend to be the all-knowing. So ask probing questions like where the facts are shown or where did they get their information. Why they think that way on a topic. You will be surprised the times they won’t be able to show you the facts.

This is only a couple ways to deal with the know-it-all. Do you have any? Please comment if you do.