by Patricia Watson

Created on: January 12, 2010   Last Updated: July 27, 2010

Every workplace has at least one know-it-all. If your work takes you outside the home, you will meet a know-it-all at some point in your career. This type of co-worker is one of the most annoying people you will ever encounter. The key to coping with this person is to understand why they are so irritating.

Characteristics of a know-it-all

• Self centered

• No matter where you have traveled, they have been somewhere more exotic

• They constantly remind you how to do your job

• If you are sick, they are sicker

• If you say the sky is blue, they will say it is green

• You can never win a debate with a know-it-all. If they don't know what they are talking about, they will just fabricate something.

Unless you intend to ask for a transfer, you will have to learn how to deal with that irksome co-worker. If you are lucky, you may only have to encounter them a few times during your shift. If your luck has left you, they will be your stall mate. The only way to survive being around a know-it-all is to let them think they are smart. Learn to listen with both ears closed. When they are babbling on and on, just nod your head in agreement at key words, and carry on with your work.

Keeping the know-it-all happy is easy; you just have to mollify them. Never get into any deep conversations with this type of co-worker. You will be led around in an endless loop of nonsensical theories and half truths. Keep your conversations to topics like the weather and what you have in your lunch bucket. Even those topics can be a scary place to go with a know-it-all. If you happen to say the weatherman is calling for rain, they will certainly have heard different from a higher source. It is likely best to just smile, nod your head, and keep your mouth closed.

The know-it-all just needs to be the center of attention. They think if they portray themselves as a walking encyclopedia, people will admire and look up to them. Don't burst their egotistic bubble. Let them live in their secret world. There is no polite way to get the better of this talking book of knowledge. If you must, you have to be blunt and rude with them. This direct approach will most likely fail to deter the annoying co-worker.

Live and let live. The workplace is made up of a diverse collection of personalities. Accept the know-it-all for what they are and keep your sense of humor about the situation. 

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