[slamdance]

Remember, we're ALL learning all the time, always progressing in knowledge and ability. Or at least we SHOULD be.

So lets take something simple. tying your shoelaces. when a 5 year old does it while singing the bunny song, they feel they have it down pat. SO when a 3 year old sees it, the 5 year old MUST be a master, right? the 5 year old thinks they're awesome at tying their shoes when the bunny goes around the tree and through the hole, etc.... so it must be true, until they see the NBA ballers do it without missing a step or 3 seconds off the clock.

The point is that being a "master" actually depends on the viewpoint of the person(s) they're interacting with. In this case, you or the person you feel they are subtly bringing down. IMO, the best way to handle these situations is to humbly remind everyone that we're all still learning. There is always someone better out there, there is always a better or more efficient way to do things. Correcting someone while teaching them (and without insults) is optimal (especially if you're not the expert you thought you were, either). Doing it this way brings both the braggadocios and the meek to the same plane and does it without bruising egos. It works even better when these two personalities are on the same team - But this is just my experience.

[Insanity]

+1. That seems to be my general way of thinking as well. When you are going to work in a team, it's best to leave your ego at the door and realise that we all suck at something.

What does the NBA ballers thing refer to? They tie their shoelaces whilst walking? Is that actually a thing? (I'm European and Basketball is not as big here, I've never actually watched a game.)

[slamdance]

comparing it to a 5 year old, Basketball players have to good and fast at tying shoe laces. that's all. maybe a lame comparison...