What is the best way to deal with a know-it-all, who always has to have the last word?

Question

My office seems to be made up of several individuals who not only are never wrong, but who insist on giving you a lecture about every subject, no matter how insignificant the topic may be. You never have an actual conversation with them . . . it's just them talking and talking, and they seem to be oblivous to if you are even still in the room.

I've told them flat-out that they need to get over themselves, but they STILL keep doing it. Is that some sort of personality disorder, like narcissism? They actually seem to believe that every word they say is a life-or-death matter.

Since this is my workplace, I really can't avoid them, since I am required to be there. What is the best way of dealing with these types?

Answer 1

If you are getting paid to listen to them (ie.your boss or supervisor) you have no other option. But you may research on different subjects and built your knowledge base being able to correct them. No one would be dare to advise you if you can prove them wrong.(But keep notes and printouts ready when you challenge them)

Answer 2

Personally, when I encounter difficult personalities as I daily do in customer service, I remember that their ego is at work.  Their issues are just that, theirs, solely.  

A personality disorder isn't unlikely.  

I love everybody, as my beliefs teach me that we are all connected.  But I don't have to like them.

May peace be with you -

Answer 3

Miles, there's not much you can do about it except simply walk away (unless it's your boss!)  I find that with some people who insist on talking all the time is that I just drift away as they're talking.  No excuses, no reason - I just leave.  Eventually, they stand there wondering why you're not listening any longer and they shut up.  I refuse to be their audience.

Answer 4

i have the same thing at my work, there's this one girl who's ben there almost a month longer than me and is about 9yrs my junior, yet she seems to think she knows how everything is done, her way is always better and there's always a 10 minute conversation about it ( usually in front of customers), that is more like a personal attack than a conversation. i used to try to explain to her that she may not always have all the answers, and that sometimes she's doing things wrong but this used to set her off on another tirade. now i just smile and agree and go home knowing that i was the bigger person and i did a good job at work that day. passive aggressive? well maybe a little, but it keeps the peace and more importantly helps keep me sane

Answer 5

It's part of the job and tends to happen very often in the workplace.

Learn to live with it and tell yourself you are getting paid  for it, or leave

Answer 6

Find another job.

Might find the same type of people all over.

Try to live with it the best you can.

You might get accustomed to it.'Maybe oneday you might find yourself lecturing someone.