A guide to working with difficult team members

Positive relationships with colleagues are key to flourishing at work. Even though difficult team members can be a challenge, there are ways to address the problem. If problematic behavior is identified, discuss the issues with the employee in a private setting and point out the negative effects on the team. If harassment and bullying occur, senior management or HR should be consulted. Project managers should remain professional at all times, as team members will follow their lead. Look for patterns in difficult behavior that may point to underlying causes, such as inadequate training, confusing assignments, or a lack of open communication.