Of all of the types of difficult people that are out there, the "Know-It-All" is perhaps my least favorite. Like the "Dictator" and the "Back-Stabber", they are motivated by power and personal gain; they just go about getting what they want in a different way.
How do you recognize a "Know-It-All?" They are the people who present what is really only their opinion as though it is a statement of fact. They often speak with a condescending tone and may come across as professorial or down-right arrogant. "Know-It-Alls" tend to ignore, minimize or contradict the opinions of others. They may patiently wait until you stop talking, ignore everything you've said and just go on presenting their own theory. Sometimes their body language can also be dismissive. A wave of the hand or a shaking of the head and a puzzled look on their faces all let you know that, as far as they are concerned, your statements are uninformed and unimportant and you clearly need to stop talking and listen while they clear things up for you.
Conversations with a "Know-It-All" can be tiresome, annoying and even insulting. But going toe-to-toe with them and trying to prove that your expertise is superior to theirs is a mistake. It is simply a no-win situation because the "Know-It-All" isn't likely to listen to your arguments no matter how well-reasoned and sound. The "Know-It-All" isn't about listening, he or she is more interested in lecturing.
Shutting down or caving is isn't the best answer either. Reacting this way just assures the "Know-It-All" that he is right, he does know better than you and he will persist in trying to "educate" you. The best approach is to firmly but calmly stand your ground. Speak with confidence as to facts that you are sure of and when the "Know-It-All" makes a point that you can agree with, do so. Offer a "You're right" or an "I agree with you that..." when you can. It allows the "Know-It-All" to feel respected and tends to pacify them a bit so they may stop trying so hard to prove their point.
It really is an exercise in futility to argue with a "Know-It-All." Unless you enjoy having your intelligence insulted or being spoken to in a condescending way, you simply need to extricate yourself as quickly as possible from the conversation. In essence, your goal should be to firmly but respectfully state your position, while acknowledging or agreeing with them on any point where you are able, in an effort to change or end the conversation as soon as possible.
Do you have a "Know-It-All" in your life? Post a comment and let us know how you deal with the "Know-It-All" in your life.
Out of all of the difficult people that we encounter, the "Fault-Finder" can be one of the most frustrating. This is the chronic complainer, the blamer, the negative thinker who can shoot down any idea or option with a single bullet.
