I had a smart coworker at one point, most of the time I asked for help with something, he would say that he did not know the answer. Now I'm positive that he w

I had a smart coworker at one point, most of the time I asked for help with something, he would say that he did not know the answer. Now I'm positive that he was doing the same thing as you describe. The effect on me was a reduced interaction with that person, I'd much rather have an honest answer or a "I don't have time" answer.