The Problem Of Being A Mr. Know-It-All

by on June 3, 2011 in Life

Yesterday, I experienced two incidents where I came across individuals who, in my mind, were “Mr. Know-It-Alls” and it drove me batshit crazy. How dare they flout their superior attitudes and talk to me like I was a 5 year old doofus? And then it struck me…we tend to viscerally hate those qualities in others that we also find in ourselves. Could I also be a Mr. Know-It-All? Well…um…er. Damn.

So speaking as a currently recovering Mr. Know-It-All, I’m trying to better practice the child mind where I acknowledge I don’t really know much of anything. Besides…what’s being a Mr. Know-It-All getting me besides the impression I’m an insufferable ass? I’m not learning as much as I can, that’s for sure.

How about today, we all try to be a little more humble in what we think we know. We might actually learn something new.

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About Chris Bailey

I've been involved in marketing, branding, and communications for nearly 15 years. I'm also a business anthropologist and have helped companies better understand and improve their customer experience. I've led teams that conquered extraordinary challenges, coached professionals toward greatness in their careers, started a couple of businesses. I tend to think of myself as a seeker of learning and insight. Bailey WorkPlay is the chronicle of my journey. Glad you're here to come along for the ride.
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6 Responses to “The Problem Of Being A Mr. Know-It-All”

  1. nanette labastida June 3, 2011 at 8:44 am # Reply

    i love this perfectly written, humerous and truthful post! And by truthful i mean you speaking from your truth, i'm not saying you are a know it all ;p. but it is interesting to notice self traits, admitting them and making effort to change is a hard step, rewarding tho. I know all about this topic ;)

    • Chris Bailey June 3, 2011 at 9:34 am # Reply

      Thanks, Nanette. It's why I'll probably be recovering all my life. Let's hope my innate sense of curiosity can overcome my need to be right all the time :)

  2. Felicia Adams June 3, 2011 at 9:00 am # Reply

    I could not agree more, Chris!!! I re-learn this nearly every day. No matter our level of "expert" there is always more to learn. Great post!

    • Chris Bailey June 3, 2011 at 9:38 am # Reply

      Thanks, Felicia. There's quite a bit of ego involved in letting go of the Know-It-All urge. It's a challenge for sure. Wonder why there isn't a Know-It-All's Anonymous?

  3. @rsomers June 3, 2011 at 1:28 pm # Reply

    Thanks Chris – great post. I happen to be the world's foremost authority on the problem of know-it-all-ism. You've probably attended my webinars, read my books, and heard me keynote on the topic. So if you need any information on the topic, just let me know.

    • Chris Bailey June 3, 2011 at 4:22 pm # Reply

      Russ, I think I've seen you talking about this at SXSW, right? That seems to be where all the Know-It-Alls convene ;)

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