The know-it-all trap

“It’s high time you were shown

that you don’t really know

all there is to be known.”

~Dr. Seuss

When our grandson was four, he was an expert on a wide range of topics. Whenever we tried to share something new or teach a small lesson, his typical response was, “I already knew that.” It cracked me up every time.

But the adult know-it-all isn’t as cute. You know the type: Every time you try to share fresh information, the know-it-all has already been there, seen it, or done it before. You can’t show or tell them anything new. They’re always on the lookout for opportunities to inform or one-up you.

As reporters learn in journalism school, you’ll have an edge if you approach each story, each interview, with an inquiring, open mind. When you ask good questions and admit you don’t know something, you’re bound to get an earful of useful information. Likewise, social conversation should be an act of discovery — not an opportunity to showcase how much you already know.

You won’t look silly or uncool if you admit you don’t know everything there is to know. In fact, you might even discover something wonderful. ~CL

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