Guide
Handle a difficult team member without letting it fester
Address a recurring performance or attitude problem directly, before it affects the whole team.
Get specific about what the actual problem is
'Bad attitude' is hard to act on. Missed deadlines, dismissive comments in meetings, not following through, name the exact pattern you're seeing.
Address it directly and privately
A calm, direct, private conversation is more effective, and more respectful, than hinting at the problem or venting to others on the team.
Agree on what needs to change and by when
A vague 'please improve' request rarely leads to real change. Be specific about what different looks like and check back on it.
Document the conversation
A brief written note of what was discussed and agreed protects both of you and matters if the situation doesn't improve.
That’s the whole thing.
Keep going
What to read next
- 01
Managing & Retaining Your Team
Run one-on-ones people actually value
Turn a regular check-in into something useful, instead of a status update nobody needs.
- 02
Managing & Retaining Your Team
Give feedback that actually lands
Deliver both praise and correction in a way people can genuinely hear and act on.
- 03
Managing & Retaining Your Team
Build a culture people don't want to leave
Create the everyday conditions that keep good people around, beyond just the paycheck.