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We all know someone like this. You try to have a conversation with this person, and he will always be one step ahead of you. He always knows more, and he is not embarrassed to show it off. Perhaps you have some helpful feedback for him, or want to point out a mistake, but before you have even finished speaking, he fires at you flurry of rationalizations and justifications that make you want to run for cover. Trying to communicate with a know-it-all can be frustrating and at times outright exhausting.

The first thing that you have to remember is that you do not know where this person is coming from. It could be that he has very little self-esteem and being "a perfect knower of everything" is the only way he has learned to feel good about himself. Therefore, it is no surprise why such a person is extremely sensitive to criticism.

The most helpful tip when dealing with a know-it-all is never to contradict the him head on. If you bring a mistake to his attention or want to give him feedback, let him justify and rationalize. Keep your cool. And then after he has finished, say something like, "OK, I hear you. But next time could you please do such and such?" If he wants to show off his knowledge, let him- even if you happen to know that what he is saying is either inaccurate or incorrect. Then, after he has finished, you could casually mention that you have heard something different. When dealing with a know-it-all, the more sensitive and non-direct you are, the more successful you will be.

Learn more about this author, Simi Brown.
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