How to Deal with a Know-it-all in the Office

There are usually a few types of know-it-all colleagues in an office setting:

1. The ones who really do know their stuff:

You may think that these people are stuffy and boring and full of data only but avoiding these people will have the opposite effect; the more you run; the faster they will run after you to find you to fill you in on the neatest and most interesting data that they have acquired to date. So the way to handle these fine folks is to keep them busy at all times looking up more data and finding out more facts, newer facts; that way they stay out of everyone's way and all of you are productive, busy and happy.

2. The ones who know a little bit, but not nearly as much as their egos have convinced them to believe:

These people usually will grab you when you or anyone who are new to the company and there is good reason for that; because once you get to know who is who, this person comes up as a faker. They are not necessary all bad people, they are usually just trying too hard to fit in or impress everyone and this is a bad crutch they use to do it, pompous information and only half accurate facts. Once you have been warned you can edit them out, just be on the lookout for them when you are meeting everyone for the first time. These people tend to go away once they can go and pounce on another newbie in the office.

3. The ones who know absolutely nothing about the subject being presented or even their jobs and they are making it all up as they go:

Most of these people tend to be more theatrical, charming, complimentary, submissive, etc. But watch out because once they are attached to you they do not go away easily. Once they have even what resembles some feigned interest or attention in their direction; the act starts all over again and they are like an actor on a stage reciting data, numbers, facts, and then some verbiage that they themselves have made up along the way. Most companies have at least one of these, very entertaining, but just hope and pray it is not someone in a power position; because it usually is, and then you just have to work on your fake smile and hope you can nod your head yes and bite your tongue many times without hurting yourself.

Know-it-all's of all types usually want one very valuable resource: Attention. They usually want more attention then most of us give or have time for in a busy work/life environment. So, to nip this in the bud early, before you just sigh and get frustrated by them interrupting you; try to acknowledge them by stating their name out loud and then let them tell you some kind of fact or data to let them at least get something said for a point or two in their direction. At that point try to command the time and conversations more to your liking after you have done your part in the dance of political correctness but always be "on your way somewhere" around these people, so you don't get stuck!