Unlock 4 ways to LEAD someone who thinks they know EVERYTHING!
Someone who thinks they know everything can be a challenge to lead. I affectionately call them know-it-alls. They often close their minds, never use their ears and open their mouths.
A know-it-all:
Believes they should be in-charge.
Knows how to belittle you.
Defends their opinion with emotion, not research/facts.
Increases volume when confronted.
Expects compliance.
Rejects other perspectives without consideration.
Irritates and drains competent team members.
Coerces timid people.
4 ways to LEAD someone who thinks they know EVERYTHING.
#1. Most intellectual Know-it-alls respect confidence.
Limit their dominance with your confidence. Notice I didn't say arrogance, but confidence. You are the leader and you have to display tremendous confidence. Even in times of uncertainty you must be certain of one thing, YOU ARE ENOUGH, BE CONFIDENT.
Check out this video.
#2. Determine if it matters to you:
If it doesn’t matter to you, let them talk. Excuse yourself, avoid them or provide a blank stare to their rambling.
#3. Lead the conversation:
After someone offers input, ask a closed-minded person to summarize their position.
Lower their brilliant idea to a good suggestion. “Thanks for your suggestion. What other ideas do you have?”
Set expectations. “I’m gathering several suggestions before making a decision. I’ll keep your suggestion in mind.”
Limit their speaking opportunities in the name of collaboration. Suppose John is a blabbering know-it-all. Begin team conversations with a person’s name. “Mary, what suggestions do you have? Don’t let someone who thinks they know everything believe their suggestions are decisions.
#4. Ask questions:
How does effect our long term strategic plan.
How did you come to that conclusion?
What makes you say that?
How has that worked in the past?
What could go wrong if we do that?
What are other ways to look at this?
How will this help the people we are serving? (In the short-term. In the long-term.)
How does your suggestion fulfill our mission? (Know-it-alls tend to think in short-term solutions and are easily stumped when providing long-term context to their suggestions.)
Unlock LEADING any personality type, even someone who thinks they know EVERYTHING.
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