Ah, the Combative – aka the know-it-all. Don’t you just love them? They know everything about everything – or at least that’s what they want you to believe. They love a good debate – which you will never win because they are know-it-alls!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, how do you deal with them? You really can’t debate them unless you have all the facts. Even then you probably still won’t “win”. I’ve found the best way to deal with them is to let them know I know they know, you know? It might sound something like this “Oh my gosh, you are so smart. You know so much stuff.” Or if you want to disagree with them, first acknowledge what they said, use the AND word, them make your point. It sounds like this “Your idea is good AND I was thinking of doing it this way. What do you think?” You now have them on your side. It’s kind of like the old adage – if you can’t beat them, join them. It’s works nearly every time.
Tude tip: When dealing with a Combatitude – the know-it-all, acknowledge their expertise, then give your opinion. And watch your KhoZAMitude prevail.