How to effectively work with the 6 types of difficult learners: The Know-It-All

How to deal with the "know it all" on your team as a manager at work.

Picture that person who you can’t teach anything.

Whatever you have to say, they already know it.

Even if you know they don’t.

They are often arrogant, and defensive (especially when they are wrong), and they have an opinion on everything.

This is a know-it-all learner, and their kind of attitude is problematic. It hinders positive communication and fosters frustration in a team.

So as a manager, what can you do about it?

First of all, don’t take it personally. Their behaviour is not a reflection of you.

With know-it-all learners, it's best not to argue. Here’s what you should do instead:

Flatter them and try to be understanding
Offer constructive feedback
Set and keep your boundaries
Thank them for their contributions

Many know-it-all learners just want to be recognized and valued.

Make sure you are taking the time to show them when you agree with them and acknowledge their positive contributions. If the timing of their input isn’t ideal, gently redirect them back to the topic at hand.

Hopefully given some time the know-it-all learner will feel less of a need to prove themselves and understand that they are valued members of the team. With this, they should become easier to work with.

Team leaders: have you had to deal with a know-it-all learner? What did you do?

In the next post, we’ll discuss the silent learner type and I’ll give you some tips for how to effectively work with them.

Till then!