In Nigeria, it is not uncommon to hear people refer to someone as I.T.K which is an abbreviation for "I too know". The kind of individuals referred to as ITK are those whom we call Know-It-Alls in official settings. These individuals just seem to know everything. They always have an opinion on everything and anything. Working with such individuals can be a real challenge. How?

The problem of working with know-it-alls.

Working with brilliant minds is always enjoyable no doubt, relieving even. With know-it-alls, It's a completely different bandwidth. They always seem to have experience or knowledge of whatever challenges may arise. The problem however is not with their knowledge or experience. It has to do with how expressive they can be, barely allowing others to have a say or air their opinions. 

Know-It-Alls always feel they have the best ideas or suggestions. In many cases, they are downright condescending when it comes to the opinion of others and can be argumentative. Know-it-alls are threats to shy or introverted individuals who always like to keep their thoughts to themselves.

Introverts or shy people would find it, especially challenging to keep up with know-it-alls and as a result may not reach their full potential. Know-it-alls are brilliant but in reality, they do not know it all. They are sometimes wrong which they find difficult to admit and also find it hard to ask for advice or make corrections.

How to cope with know-it-alls

1. Admit to yourself that they know much; This would require humility. Save yourself the trouble, admit that fact and learn from them.
2. Do not follow them blindly; They know much, not all. Get your facts and avoid leaning completely on their knowledge or expertise.
3. Learn to politely decline their input when it is unsolicited.
4. Have open and honest conversations with the individuals on how you feel about the attitude and explain how it affects you and others. Most times know-it-alls are innocent at heart and just want to share their broad knowledge. Did you know that high IQ results in low EQ? (IQ= intelligent quotient, EQ=emotional quotient). Most times know-it-alls are all brains and little emotions if you do not tell them how you feel about the attitude they would not know.
5. Do not withhold your opinions because you feel the know-it-all has the answers. Being outspoken helps a know-it-all to see that he or she does not have a monopoly of knowledge and it can help them take their attitude down a notch or two.
6. As an employer or parent, do not always agree with the know it's all or bend to their whims. Ask for and accept suggestions from others This would teach the know-it-all to ask for and accept advice and corrections.
7. Do not be quick to praise know-it-alls.
8. As a parent or employer, recognize the limitations of know-it-alls even when they do not.

 Read more here on how to deal with a know-it-all. 

 As you read this did you feel a pang of guilt? Are you a know-it-all?

How can you improve your relationship with others?

•  Honestly admit to yourself that you can't know it all.
•  Try to limit the number of times you interrupt people to chip in your idea or give corrections. 
• Open up your mind to receive advice and learn to do things other ways than yours. 

Know-it-alls hardly ever have malicious intent when it comes to the way they express their knowledge. Most of them are just what they are-know-it-alls and they believe that they have an unlimited supply of facts and knowledge they should share with everyone around them whether it is asked for or not. Rather than resent that sibling, colleague, classmate or friend, try to practice the steps discussed above.

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