The Know-It-All

“It is possible to store the mind with a million facts and still be entirely uneducated.”

– Aleck Bourne

(1886-1974) Author

We have all come across them.  It is the person who believes and acts as if they know more than anyone else in the room.  They have been to University and have all the degrees.  Whenever a question is asked, they respond like they are put out by the ignorance that breeds such questions.  They are the know-it-alls and they are everywhere.

                One of the things that the know-it-all likes to do is look down on anyone who does not have the same level of education as they do.  What is odd is that they do this even with people who are more successful than they are.  They simply think that it is a fluke or some social injustice that has allowed it.  In their mind, they are the superior beings and there is no question they are above you.

                What happens too many times is that their intimidation works.  Those who have not had the education they have had, even if they are more successful, feel inferior somehow to the know-it-all.  Many in life coaching have had good training, however, we do not have degrees in counseling or psychology.  We then start to think, do I really know enough to do this.  Many coaches have missed out on wonderful opportunities simply because they felt they did not measure up.

                Let's face some facts.  One of the key elements of coaching is to be able to relate and help people.  Coaches are servants and there to assist others in a time of need.  The know-it-all is far to wrapped up in them self to really care about anyone else.  Their narcissistic view of the world does not allow them the ability to be a coach.  They may have stuffed their heads with facts, but their hearts are empty and void.  They display the need for a coach rather than the ability to be a coach.

                C.S. Lewis said, "Humility is not think less of yourself, but rather think of yourself less."  As a life coach we are called to think less about ourselves and more about others.  We recognize that their success is our success.  The talents and abilities of others is not a threat but something to be celebrated.  It is our heartfelt desire that others do better than we can and we are never resentful for their success.

               

                Be who God has called you to be.  Fulfill your purpose and do your best.  Know that it is not the amount of knowledge you possess but what you do with that knowledge that matters.  I believe in education and encourage everyone to always be learning and growing, however, life is the greatest teacher and all the books in the world will never replace experience.  If God has called you to coaching, you have the best teacher in the universe, the Holy Spirit who will lead you into all truth.  The Holy Spirit is not a know-it-all but He does know it all.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, and Life Coach. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey