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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Monday, July 1, 2002

60 Seconds
Some know-it-alls actually know it all

By Dr. Drake Beil
President, Soutions Inc.

Every once in a while Einstein shows up at work. He is the know-it-all who actually knows it all. Arguing with him only means problems and headaches for us all.

Some managers see Einstein as a troublemaker. The manager would rather be wrong and do it their way, than be right and listen to Einstein.

But Einstein may not be helping the situation either. He may present the ideas in a manner that makes others feel angry, envious or just plain stupid. No one likes to feel dumb, and rather than admit it, they fight the ideas or sabotage them to prove that they were right all along.

The larger the bureaucracy the easier it is to get stabbed in the back by someone you can't even see. Other managers will recognize Einstein for who he is, put their feelings aside, and give Einstein the tools he needs to get the job done. They are smart enough to know it will only make them and the department look good. They realize that increasing the value of co-workers creates a more valuable company.

A smart manager will realize that acceptance may come easier if someone else presents Einstein's ideas.

But what about the know-it-alls who don't really know it all?

If they are just popping off, it will be easy enough to educate them, share the facts and the liabilities of being wrong.

Unless they're the boss.

The problems come when they have control of the resources. The best thing to do then is come up with a better idea and try to make it look as if it were the boss' idea.

Reach Drake Beil at drake@60secondsonbusiness.com or 587-5832.