Dealing with Arrogant Coworkers Who Think They Know It All

Have you ever encountered a coworker who believes they know everything and refuses to listen or try new things? If so, you're not alone. Unfortunately, there’s often little your boss can do about such behavior. In these situations, it’s crucial to handle the situation tactfully and maintain your professional integrity.

Ignoring Their Behavior

One of the most effective strategies is to ignore their unwanted behavior as much as possible. Politely but firmly steer clear of them and continue with your work. The key is to stay composed and focused, allowing their inappropriate actions to catch up to them over time rather than escalating the conflict.

For example, one colleague who was new to the company and unprepared tried to give orders within a week, causing an uproar. Instead of engaging, the team ignored the commander-in-head. When they attempted to use an inappropriate inventory method, thankfully, the supervisor intervened, leading to a clearer direction and less frequent grievances from the new personnel.

Managing Unbearable Behavior

There will be times when the behavior becomes unbearable. In such cases, it’s advisable to approach your boss and voice your concerns. If the situation remains unchanged, it might be necessary to find another work environment where more aligns with your professional values.

Many times, these individuals are favored by their superiors, making it difficult for immediate changes. However, outperforming them can sometimes shift the dynamic and gain more respect and recognition in the workplace.

Real-Life Example: A Pretentious Colleague

Let me share a story about a coworker who was clearly full of herself. When I worked at a bank in my early twenties, we did encounter a quite toxic 19-year-old who would always try to outshine others, regardless of the context.

In her first conversation, she bragged about winning a state championship for roller skating and being awarded a pair of $1000 skates. When I mentioned I would be going skiing with my boyfriend, she immediately tried to show how much better she was, claiming to be a black diamond skier and having done helicopter skiing. She also worked as a waitress for ten years, well before reaching the age of 20. There was no way she could be so good at every skill she claimed.

She also claimed that her skates had burned in a fire at the skating rink, which made her recent purchase of new skates a lie. When I asked her what server tips were, she had no idea. In the end, she admitted she had never skied, leading to a moment of silence and disbelief from everyone around.

Conclusion

Dealing with such individuals in the workplace can be challenging, but maintaining your professionalism and composure is the key to handling these situations well. Ignoring their behavior, managing your interactions, and finding a supportive environment are all effective strategies. Remember, standing up for yourself in a polite and professional manner can lead to positive changes in the workplace.