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The 5 Types of Employees Every Manager Struggles With—and How to Handle Them

Writer's picture: Michael PearsonMichael Pearson

Managing a team isn’t always smooth sailing. Every manager faces certain employee challenges that can slow down productivity and create tension in the workplace. From the quiet underperformer to the overly demanding worker, these types of difficult employees can be a headache.


But here’s the good news: you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. By understanding how to handle these tough employees, you can create a more harmonious, efficient team.


Unfortunately, many managers don’t learn how to manage difficult employees because they don’t know where to start, or they avoid addressing the issues altogether.


Why Managers Struggle with Difficult Employees—and How to Overcome It

It’s common for managers to feel overwhelmed when faced with challenging employees. Here’s why many struggle to make progress:

  • They avoid confrontation: Many managers fear conflict and avoid having tough conversations, which only makes the problem worse.

  • They don't understand the root cause: It’s easy to label someone as "difficult" without understanding what’s causing their behavior.

  • They don’t know how to motivate tough employees: It’s not always clear how to inspire employees who are disengaged or underperforming.

  • They lack clear strategies for conflict resolution: Managing employee behavior problems requires specific techniques that many managers don’t have in their toolkit.

  • They give up too easily: When results don’t come fast, some managers think that difficult employees can’t be helped.

The good news? You can overcome these challenges. Let’s explore how to deal with the 7 types of difficult employees and transform these situations into opportunities for growth.


Step 1: Identify the Types of Difficult Employees

Understanding the different types of difficult employees is the first step in creating effective solutions.

  • Why It’s Important: Each type of employee requires a different approach. By identifying the root causes of their behavior, you can create a plan to address it.

  • What to Do: Take the time to assess your team. Here are a few types of difficult employees:

    • The Underperformer: Consistently misses deadlines or doesn’t meet expectations.

    • The Silent Worker: Quiet and unengaged, doesn’t contribute in team discussions.

    • The Complainer: Always finds something wrong and spreads negativity.

    • The Overachiever: Disrupts the team by being too controlling or competitive.

    • The Rebel: Challenges authority and doesn’t follow company policies.

Example: A manager once struggled with a team member who was always late to meetings. After understanding that the employee had family obligations, the manager was able to offer a more flexible work schedule, resulting in a happier, more productive employee.


Step 2: Address Behavior Problems Early and Directly

It’s tempting to let small issues slide, but that often leads to bigger problems down the line. Addressing behavior issues early is key to preventing frustration from building.

  • Where People Go Wrong: Many managers ignore employee behavior problems, hoping they’ll resolve themselves. This often leads to resentment and more severe issues.

  • What to Do: Confront the issue as soon as it arises. Have a one-on-one conversation to discuss the behavior, its impact on the team, and what can be done to improve. Be calm, direct, and solution-oriented.

Example: If an employee is habitually late, don’t wait for it to escalate. Have a conversation about how it affects the team, and work together on a solution (e.g., adjusting start times or tracking hours more effectively).


Step 3: Implement Effective Conflict Resolution Strategies

Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but the way you handle it can make or break your team’s success. Effective conflict resolution can turn a challenging situation into a growth opportunity.

  • Why It’s Vital: When managed well, conflict can bring clarity, boost collaboration, and improve team dynamics. Addressing conflict properly leads to better communication and stronger relationships.

  • What to Do: Use clear communication and stay neutral. Offer solutions that are fair and promote cooperation. Encourage team members to express their concerns respectfully and listen actively.

Pro Tip: Mediate disputes with empathy. Acknowledge each person's perspective, then work together to find a win-win solution. Conflict resolution is a skill, not a quick fix.


Step 4: Motivate and Engage Difficult Employees

Sometimes, tough employees just need the right motivation. Understanding their needs and what drives them can make a huge difference.

  • Why It’s Important: Motivating difficult employees can lead to higher performance and better relationships within the team.

  • What to Do: Start by identifying what motivates the employee—some may need more recognition, others may require more responsibility. Tailor your approach based on their unique needs.

Example: A manager noticed that an underperforming employee loved working on complex problems. By assigning this employee a project that challenged their skills, their performance improved drastically.


Let Frameworks Inc. Guide You Through Employee Management Challenges

Dealing with difficult employees is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Frameworks Inc. specializes in employee management strategies and offers tools to help you address common workplace leadership challenges, including managing underperforming employees and handling employee behavior problems.

Key Takeaway: Every manager faces difficult employees, but with the right strategies and tools, you can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth. By understanding the types of difficult employees and learning how to handle them, you’ll strengthen your team and become a more effective leader. Don’t wait—start improving your management approach today!

Whether you need help with team collaboration, employee conflict resolution, or finding the right motivational strategies for difficult employees, we’re here to help you build a stronger, more effective team. Contact us today to learn how our tailored employee management solutions can help you lead with confidence and get results. Hit the button below!





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