Address the elephant in the conference room. When you know you’re going to have to work with an office know-it-all on a project (and are totally dreading it), have an honest conversation about working together.

Being very direct can be a big help.

Don’t argue or look to butt heads, as that will only frustrate both of you. Offer your ideas in team meetings, but don’t make it your goal to rebut their ideas. Simply state another possibility or alternate perspective of the issue, without making it competitive.

You need to keep your aggravation in check. As soon as you see the know-it-all co-worker’s mouth open, resist the urge to roll your eyes into the back of your head. Instead, try to find some common ground. Focusing on what you both agree on, it’ll make it easier for you to hear the other person o...