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Ask HN: How do you work with a person who thinks they know more than they do?

by ziffusion on 1/28/21, 5:28 AM with 4 comments

It can become very hard to converge with such a person. They may argue too much for ideas that are not that good. They may not understand the alternatives too well. Their scope of knowledge may be limited.

Trying to converge "politely" can take way too long. And even so, they may end up accepting the alternatives grudgingly.

Just in case I sound condescending - I realize that in some contexts I myself may be this person.

How do you folks handle this?

  • by jimmyvalmer on 1/28/21, 11:21 AM

    I am such an arrogant person, so here's how to deal with me: let me have my way, and gradually wean yourself off any projects involving me. Self-deluded know-it-all's like myself do not rise within the ranks and get pigeonholed. In the best possible case, we get fired, and that's what happened to me. Still trying to figure out what to do with my life.

  • by vagrantJin on 1/28/21, 9:32 AM

    Id laugh, take them to school and back.

    But that won't help an emormous ego which may activate mental defence mechanisms. I believe we all have an internal self image that's a best version of ourselves. Some more than others.

    I would suggest not being hostile.

  • by fargle on 1/28/21, 7:44 AM

    Never argue with an idiot. They will bring you down to their level and then beat you with experience.