I'm confused as to whose "inability" you are referring to. Yours or those who are coming to you with the problems.
Ok, so you quickly solved the problem. Just ask "Is there anything else I can help you with?", if there is then fix that too. Otherwise just move on.
I get the impression from your description that it is you "giving your 2 cents worth" that triggers the competitive behaviors. Would it be possible for you to just say "Glad I could help." and leave it at that? Perhaps some of the people you are helping with their problems are less competent than they claim to be and that is why they try to befuddle you by trying to appear smart.
Truly smart people don't act in a condescending manner. Only those who have something to hide put on "the act". That's my 2 cents worth :-)
Agree with this. I've been "there" many many times. My suggestion now for these cases is exactly that.
Fix the issue and do not engage with the person unless you really need to know more info on the "problem". Then just say "it's fixed: have a nice day".
Any other interactions and you will always lose. Most of these people have in their mind that you're just "the IT guy" that spends his days surfing the web/social media until they call you to fix their issues, which are "totally not something they've done and they have no idea how it happened!"
Also tempted to post so many clips from the "IT Crowd", but I'll just post this one: https://youtu.be/YDNmyyrEZho
I enjoy how you couldn't get if I had these problems, that somehow normalizes it all. Thank you.
I really try to not be condescending about it and to be a smart person.
I will try the "Glad I could help".
Others made good points here too, really made me think. Thank you all.
Ok, so you quickly solved the problem. Just ask "Is there anything else I can help you with?", if there is then fix that too. Otherwise just move on.
I get the impression from your description that it is you "giving your 2 cents worth" that triggers the competitive behaviors. Would it be possible for you to just say "Glad I could help." and leave it at that? Perhaps some of the people you are helping with their problems are less competent than they claim to be and that is why they try to befuddle you by trying to appear smart.
Truly smart people don't act in a condescending manner. Only those who have something to hide put on "the act". That's my 2 cents worth :-)