1. Know-It-Alls drive us crazy because nine times out of ten, they are usually right! They are knowledgeable, competent and highly assertive people who have a low tolerance for corrections and contradictions. They will take all the time in the world to discuss their own superior opinion, and have little patience with others’ ideas. Even if you sneak a different or new idea in, the Know-It-All will readily disprove your obviously flawed idea or method. Unfortunately, this type of behavior kills any hope of collaborative team work.

What to do? Your goal should be to open his mind to new information and ideas – NOT to make him wrong – the ultimate humiliation. Many of us try to convince the Know-It-All that our idea is better – which just becomes the battle between two Know-It-Alls! Others just fade into the woodwork and let the Know-It-All run it all!

If the Know-It-All is standing in the way of team progress, try these techniques to open his or her mind to alternative ideas:

Be Prepared. Since Know-It-Alls have little patience for others’ ideas, know what you want to say. Practice stating your ideas briefly, clearly and concisely. Look for any flaws in your thinking or weak spots that the Know-It-All will attack.

Hear and Understand. Use active listening techniques to let him know that you have heard and understood the brilliance of his point of view. As you reflect the key elements of his idea, don’t contradict, correct, or disagree with him. Let him know that he is the expert and that you understand his thinking as well as his concerns.

Indirectly Introduce your idea. Use non-threatening words like "maybe," "perhaps," "bear with me for a moment," "I was just wondering," to sound hypothetical rather than challenging.

Use Questions instead of statements. Know-It-Alls love to answer questions, so lead them with a few choice questions to understand your idea.

Piggyback. Where possible, tie in your ideas with key elements from his point of view. Appeal to common areas of agreement.

Reassure. When faced with objections, reassure the Know-It-All that you both want what is best for the team to achieve their goal, then shift into active listening.

Dealing with a Know-It-All requires patience, an open mind and a healthy dose of sincerity and respect. By continuing to approach the Know-It-All in a non-threatening way, you will build the relationship over time so that some of your ideas will be accepted.

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