How can you deflate a hopelessly arrogant person?

Question

I am 39 years old and fairly accomplished in the world of business. (meaning 3 major companies,3+ years each + B.S. Economics) My co-worker is an excellent engineer, but has no experience in administrative issues. After graduating college in 1967 he did a few short stints in "field service technical repairs etc". He never worked "inside" a real company. Has only negative viewpoints & considers "infrastructure" a dirty word. Doesn't understand "paperflow". I am trying to make a case that our company totally lacks infrastructure and a little bit could really go along way to improving procedures & morale.
I know its hard to believe, but there exists practically no "system" at all. People are stepping on each other at least 3 times a week: Confusions, chronic material shortages, Loads of time wasted in endless explanations & re-work. (just a short list)
Come on people! weigh in on this! What would you do? PS. running to the boss is not an option.

Answer 1

**** homie 1st off you need to sit back roll a blunt and pound a beer.

Answer 2

Do you want to impliment your ideas or win an arguement? If you concern yourself with infighting and not your objective you detract from your objecitve. Get clear what it is you really want. To improve a situation or show up this other guy.

I managed a small, international publishing company that had problems similar to what you outlined. We were loosing shipments, getting orders wrong, loosing orders etc. and the company was loosing money.
I didn't argue with the manager, or any other employees, but developed a WORKING system and implimented it in my area. When I had it running smoothly I showed it to the absentee owner on his once monthly rounds. No arguments. No ego battles. Later when the manager was found to be taking money from the company and going to the race track - I volunteered and became manager of retail and wholesale operations and in 3 years got the company its first profitable qtr. Now this may not work for you, but I firmly believe you focus on the problem and not the distractions; make your idea work in reality; don't "run" to the boss, but show him or her, how to make things better. If it's a good company they will appreciate your effort and if it does really work, likely they will use your idea(s). If you need to go to a higher up then do so. If there's too much politics going on - then you're in an out-of-date dysfunctional company. Look for one that isn't.

Answer 3

I would simply do my own job whatever it may be.
Is it really up to us to deflate another? Who knows what is in another's heart? Who knows what burden he may be carrying?
I think the answer is....as you ask what would we do.... if it was me, I would do my own work as best as I can. To the letter.
Since you say that there is confusion, this says that there is no teamwork.
This person who only has negative viewpoints seems to be getting the best of you, so ignore him, focus on yourself and do all you can in your own boundary of responsibility to get things done.
As for your boss, sounds like he needs help from his employees, so start with only YOU.
Why? because we can't change anyone...only ourselves and sometimes, not even ourselves.
If all of you were painting a house, just make sure your area is painted the best and when you're done, the others who are not doing well will see the difference.
We do best by example since actions speak more than words.
Do it simply for yourself. If this boat has what it takes to sail, it will.
I'll be rooting for you.

Answer 4

Don't focus on your co-worker. Talk to the CFO, and write out some work flows with a charting template or using software to give a visual description of your ideas.

Then put words to the pictures and explain the cost savings and frustration savings involved. The CFO is sufficiently high in the organization to see the interdepartmental dynamics, and also personally invested in anything that provides greater efficiency.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Come-on .... get your act together ..... you could do wonders for for the Company you work for. You've got your head on your shoulders.
Why are you worrying about your co-worker ... and why is running to the boss not an option.
Is your "Boss" your CEO? ....... If not then put all your ideas down on paper and give it to the Top Bod.
If you get fired for that .... so what .... take what you and written down to your next interview.
Good luck .... hope all goes well ..... nice to see somebody thinking for a change.

Answer 6

Kind of simple really, use this quote or paraphrase at your own discretion. " you know in my almost 20 years in business, one of the things I have discovered is that the people who tell me how much they know are really covering up their own insecurities, that couldn't possibly be the case here, could it?"

"Would you mind helping me research where your thinking came from, I would really like more information on it and I want to study or learn what you have?"

Neither of these are meant to be smarmy but rather frank, direct and interested questions. If he answers at all it will either be all good or he/she will begin to back down when you force supporting material.

Answer 7

It sounds like there might be a bit of workplace bullying going on. Do an internet search, and you should find both advice and laws for your area.

Answer 8

Hide marijuana in the hub caps of hs car and then make an anonymous tip to police that he is drug trafficing.

Answer 9

Someone needs to have some balls and step up as a leader. Someone who thinks they know it all is destined to fail.

Answer 10

somewhat a minimum of, i think of that the individuals who say that they are not conceited are somewhat conceited for asserting that (replaced into that an conceited remark?). on your answer, I attempt to no longer be conceited, yet others will might desire to come again to a determination.