{"id":14584,"date":"2025-05-28T21:34:59","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T21:34:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/?p=14584"},"modified":"2025-05-28T21:34:59","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T21:34:59","slug":"how-to-handle-that-person-navigating-difficult-team-members-with-grace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/how-to-handle-that-person-navigating-difficult-team-members-with-grace\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Handle \u201cThat Person\u201d: Navigating Difficult Team Members with Grace"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019ve been there: the project is humming, deadlines are green, energy is high\u2014and then <em>that person<\/em> walks in. Crossed arms, sharpened comments, or a flat <em>\u201cThis is dumb.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Suddenly every stand-up feels like tiptoeing through a minefield. Don\u2019t sweat it. With the right tools, you can transform even the prickliest personality into a collaborator, preserve team momentum, and keep your own sanity intact.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s your expanded playbook\u2014twice the depth, double the calm.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Image 1 --><\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-14586 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1600_Radar-Alert-Dynamics_simple_compose_01jwc7njhme6wbhxaq7febfca1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1600_Radar-Alert-Dynamics_simple_compose_01jwc7njhme6wbhxaq7febfca1-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1600_Radar-Alert-Dynamics_simple_compose_01jwc7njhme6wbhxaq7febfca1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1600_Radar-Alert-Dynamics_simple_compose_01jwc7njhme6wbhxaq7febfca1-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1600_Radar-Alert-Dynamics_simple_compose_01jwc7njhme6wbhxaq7febfca1.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 89vw, (max-width: 767px) 82vw, 740px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2 id=\"spot-the-signs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_spot_the_signals_early\"><\/span>1. Spot the Signals Early<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Difficult behavior rarely appears out of thin air. It brews quietly\u2014sometimes for weeks\u2014before anyone calls it out. Your first line of defense is observation.<\/p>\n<p>Watch meeting dynamics, chat threads, and body language for micro-hints of friction. By seeing the storm clouds before they burst, you can position the team\u2019s umbrella.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"behavioral_red_flags\"><\/span>Behavioral Red Flags<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Chronic Negativity<\/strong> \u2013 A steady drip of \u201cYes, but\u2026\u201d replies that drain solutions before they sprout.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stonewalling<\/strong> \u2013 Silence during decision calls, then hallway rants afterward.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Deflection<\/strong> \u2013 Blaming tools, technology, or the phases of the moon\u2014anything except personal responsibility.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Combative Posturing<\/strong> \u2013 Interjections meant to look smart but really shut others down.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Data-Drowning<\/strong> \u2013 Weaponizing metrics to stall action: \u201cWe can\u2019t move until we triple-confirm Q4 deltas.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Speed Drill \u2013 10-Minute Pulse Check<\/strong><br \/>\nOnce a week, scroll your team chat for a ten-minute blitz: flag sarcasm, repeated objections, or threads gone silent. A fast audit catches drift early.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"case_snapshot_the_silent_saboteur\"><\/span>Case Snapshot: The Silent Saboteur<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>At a fintech startup, a senior data analyst stopped volunteering insights. During sprint retrospectives she said nothing beyond \u201cFine.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile she DM\u2019d teammates about flawed hypotheses. The PM noticed the discrepancy within two stand-ups and booked a one-on-one. The tension deflated before it froze the project. Timing matters.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Image 2 --><\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-14587 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1616_Curious-Coach-Exploration_simple_compose_01jwc8ha7xeh898j8543awmwqj-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1616_Curious-Coach-Exploration_simple_compose_01jwc8ha7xeh898j8543awmwqj-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1616_Curious-Coach-Exploration_simple_compose_01jwc8ha7xeh898j8543awmwqj-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1616_Curious-Coach-Exploration_simple_compose_01jwc8ha7xeh898j8543awmwqj-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1616_Curious-Coach-Exploration_simple_compose_01jwc8ha7xeh898j8543awmwqj.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 89vw, (max-width: 767px) 82vw, 740px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2 id=\"choose-your-lens\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_choose_your_mental_lens\"><\/span>2. Choose Your Mental Lens<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Mindset fuels strategy. Label someone \u201cthe problem,\u201d and every interaction becomes a courtroom. Instead, put on the <strong>Curious Coach Lens<\/strong>. Assume there\u2019s a rational human need\u2014respect, clarity, security\u2014masked by rough behavior. Curiosity melts armor.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"mini-reframe_exercise_%e2%80%94_deep-dive_version\"><\/span>Mini-Reframe Exercise \u2014 Deep-Dive Version<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Write each observed behavior on sticky notes.<\/li>\n<li>Under each, brainstorm <em>three<\/em> possible needs the behavior could serve (e.g., \u201cWant more influence,\u201d \u201cAvoid extra workload,\u201d \u201cProtect reputation\u201d).<\/li>\n<li>Choose the most compassionate hypothesis. Form a neutral statement such as:<br \/>\n<em>\u201cYou might be worried we\u2019ll ship something sloppy, given how quality-focused you are.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Bring that statement to your one-on-one and watch walls lower.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"template\">\n<p><span class=\"mini-hdr\">Self-Talk Template<\/span>\u201cThey\u2019re not blocking me; they\u2019re protecting <u>[insert need]<\/u>. My job is to uncover it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The reframe keeps cortisol down and positions you as partner, not prosecutor.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Image 3 --><\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-14588 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1618_Futuristic-Conversation-Space_simple_compose_01jwc8qqegfp3txnc3bx8dmsk8-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1618_Futuristic-Conversation-Space_simple_compose_01jwc8qqegfp3txnc3bx8dmsk8-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1618_Futuristic-Conversation-Space_simple_compose_01jwc8qqegfp3txnc3bx8dmsk8-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1618_Futuristic-Conversation-Space_simple_compose_01jwc8qqegfp3txnc3bx8dmsk8-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1618_Futuristic-Conversation-Space_simple_compose_01jwc8qqegfp3txnc3bx8dmsk8.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 89vw, (max-width: 767px) 82vw, 740px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2 id=\"one-on-one\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_hold_the_courageous_one-on-one\"><\/span>3. Hold the Courageous One-on-One<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Public showdowns spark grandstanding. Go private. Your goal is clarity, not confession. Structure makes courage doable. Enter the expanded <strong>C.A.L.M.<\/strong> framework\u2014now with sample scripts.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the_calm_framework_extended\"><\/span>The C.A.L.M. Framework (Extended)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Context<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cOn Tuesday you said the new compliance rules were \u2018a non-starter\u2019.\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong>Affect<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cIt stalled our decision; the team looked to me for answers I didn\u2019t have.\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong>Listen<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cWalk me through what felt risky about those rules for you.\u201d\n<ul>\n<li><em>Active Listen Tips:<\/em> Mirror keywords, nod, keep palms visible.<\/li>\n<li>At silence: \u201cTell me more.\u201d (People often keep the real issue for the third response.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Move Forward<\/strong> \u2013 Mutual actions. \u201cLet\u2019s pair you with Legal for a feasibility check by Thursday. If red flags pop, we rearrange scope.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"quick_script_%e2%80%94_if_emotions_rise\"><\/span>Quick Script \u2014 If Emotions Rise<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cI\u2019m hearing how critical reliability is to you. Let\u2019s pause for a sip of water, then look together at where we can firm QA. Sound okay?\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Document next steps in a shared space\u2014your project board or, better yet, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/teamly-business.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Teamly<\/a>. Transparency turns personal tension into a trackable deliverable.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"follow-up_grid\"><\/span>Follow-Up Grid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 0.9em; margin: 25px 0;\" border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\">\n<thead style=\"background: #eee;\">\n<tr>\n<th>Commitment<\/th>\n<th>Owner<\/th>\n<th>Due<\/th>\n<th>Check-in<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>QA scope audit<\/td>\n<td>Dana<\/td>\n<td>Thu 4 PM<\/td>\n<td>Fri stand-up<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Legal feasibility check<\/td>\n<td>Ravi<\/td>\n<td>Thu 6 PM<\/td>\n<td>Slack update<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><!-- Image 4 --><\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-14589 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1625_Building-Micro-Habits_simple_compose_01jwc94a8ffgcrvrndy10yvg1e-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1625_Building-Micro-Habits_simple_compose_01jwc94a8ffgcrvrndy10yvg1e-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1625_Building-Micro-Habits_simple_compose_01jwc94a8ffgcrvrndy10yvg1e-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1625_Building-Micro-Habits_simple_compose_01jwc94a8ffgcrvrndy10yvg1e-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1625_Building-Micro-Habits_simple_compose_01jwc94a8ffgcrvrndy10yvg1e.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 89vw, (max-width: 767px) 82vw, 740px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2 id=\"build-culture\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_build_micro-habits_that_protect_culture\"><\/span>4. Build Micro-Habits That Protect Culture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tackling one person is a win; building a friction-resilient culture is legacy. Embed micro-habits into daily rhythm so tension vaporizes before it scorches.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"weekly_psychological-safety_pulse_level-up\"><\/span>Weekly Psychological-Safety Pulse (Level-Up)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Friday afternoon, dedicate <strong>six minutes<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Ask everyone to post one emoji representing the week\u2019s mood.<\/li>\n<li>Each adds a win, an obstacle, and a resource request.<\/li>\n<li>Map requests to owners right inside your kanban.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>The emoji shortcut surfaces vibes faster than surveys and normalizes emotional honesty.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"reaction-response_pause_upgrade\"><\/span>Reaction-Response Pause (Upgrade)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Teach the team a silent hand signal\u2014thumb-index finger pinch\u2014to request the five-second pause.<\/li>\n<li>As facilitator, model it. After spicy remarks, hold fingers \u2013 breathe \u2013 speak. Neurochemistry shifts; respect returns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"quarterly_norms_stocktake\"><\/span>Quarterly Norms Stocktake<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Run a retro using color dots:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #2a7;\">Green<\/span> \u2013 We live this norm.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #fc3;\">Yellow<\/span> \u2013 We wobble.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #d33;\">Red<\/span> \u2013 We ignore it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Pick one yellow norm to nudge to green next quarter. Even resistant folks love colored dots\u2014it feels like data, not drama.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Record dot tallies in Teamly so mid-quarter you can check if mood lines up with metrics.<br \/>\n<!-- Image 5 --><\/p>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-14590 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1629_Futuristic_Bloom_compressed-1024x585.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"585\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1629_Futuristic_Bloom_compressed-1024x585.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1629_Futuristic_Bloom_compressed-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1629_Futuristic_Bloom_compressed-768x439.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1629_Futuristic_Bloom_compressed-1536x878.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/20250528_1629_Futuristic_Bloom_compressed.jpg 1792w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 89vw, (max-width: 767px) 82vw, 740px\" \/><\/figure>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2 id=\"advanced-tactics\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_advanced_tactics_for_the_truly_tricky\"><\/span>5. Advanced Tactics for the Truly Tricky<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"spot_the_drama_triangle\"><\/span>Spot the Drama Triangle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Difficult interactions often replay the classic <em>Drama Triangle<\/em>: Victim, Persecutor, Rescuer. Your job is to stay out of all three corners.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Switch Victim \u2192 Creator<\/strong> \u2013 Ask \u201cWhat do you <em>want<\/em> instead?\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong>Switch Persecutor \u2192 Challenger<\/strong> \u2013 Frame feedback as future-focused invitation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Switch Rescuer \u2192 Coach<\/strong> \u2013 Guide rather than fix.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"leverage_micro-contracts\"><\/span>Leverage Micro-Contracts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For teammates who commit\u2026and forget, use micro-contracts\u2014tiny written agreements:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cYes, I\u2019m good to deliver the user-flow deck by Wednesday 3 PM. Signed\u2014Alex.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>A Slack emoji stamp counts as a \u201csignature.\u201d The formality boosts follow-through by <span style=\"white-space: nowrap;\">100 %<\/span> in field studies.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"rotating_meeting_chairs\"><\/span>Rotating Meeting Chairs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Give the chronic critic the meeting-facilitator hat for one cycle. Let them experience steering logistics and hitting timeboxes. Perspective cures cynicism.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"escalation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_plan_for_escalation%e2%80%94use_it_sparingly\"><\/span>6. Plan for Escalation\u2014Use It Sparingly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes lines get crossed\u2014harassment, sabotage, repeated insubordination. Escalation isn\u2019t failure; it\u2019s boundary stewardship.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"escalation_checklist\"><\/span>Escalation Checklist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Policy Alignment<\/strong> \u2013 Know HR protocols. If none, co-write a 300-word interim policy and share company-wide.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Documentation Discipline<\/strong> \u2013 Date, time, quote, impact. Emotion-neutral language.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Third-Party Mediation<\/strong> \u2013 Bring HR or external coach when personal attempts stall.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Final Boundary<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cIf X continues by Date Y, we\u2019ll reassess role fit.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The goal: clarity over punishment, dignity preserved for all.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"celebrate\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_celebrate_the_small_shifts\"><\/span>7. Celebrate the Small Shifts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Change sticks when noticed. Catch micro-wins publicly.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"three-layer_recognition_stack\"><\/span>Three-Layer Recognition Stack<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Instant Ping<\/strong> \u2013 Within 60 seconds, emoji-blast the win in chat.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Daily Stand-Up Spotlight<\/strong> \u2013 A 30-second shout-out amplifies the behavior.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Digital Badge in Teamly<\/strong> \u2013 Log for quarterly reviews; the badge makes memory tangible.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"template\">\n<p><span class=\"mini-hdr\">Recognition Script<\/span>\u201cHeads-up, team: Jordan asked two clarifying questions <em>before<\/em> critiquing the plan. That curiosity unlocked our timeline. \ud83c\udf89\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"inner-cool\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_keep_your_inner_cool\"><\/span>8. Keep Your Inner Cool<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>All the frameworks won\u2019t matter if your nervous system blares DEFCON 1. Ground yourself with the upgraded 90-second reset:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the_4-4-4-4_gratitude_drill\"><\/span>The 4-4-4-4 + Gratitude Drill<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Breathe in for four counts.<\/li>\n<li>Hold for four.<\/li>\n<li>Exhale for four.<\/li>\n<li>Hold for four.<\/li>\n<li>Then silently name one thing you\u2019re grateful the difficult teammate <em>does<\/em> bring (e.g., thoroughness). Appreciation calms amygdala alarms.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Repeat before high-stakes meetings. Physiological calm radiates: mirror neurons cue everyone else to match your pace.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bringing-together\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_bringing_it_all_together\"><\/span>9. Bringing It All Together<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Navigating \u201cthat person\u201d isn\u2019t about exile or forced smiles. It\u2019s about shepherding the team\u2019s collective potential\u2014turning friction into forward thrust.<\/p>\n<p>Spot red flags early, reframe with curiosity, stage structured one-on-ones, embed culture habits, and escalate with dignity if you must. Celebrate micro-wins, breathe often, and watch negative energy alchemize into collaborative gold.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019ve been there: the project is humming, deadlines are green, energy is high\u2014and then that person walks in. Crossed arms, sharpened comments, or a flat \u201cThis is dumb.\u201d Suddenly every stand-up feels like tiptoeing through a minefield. Don\u2019t sweat it. With the right tools, you can transform even the prickliest personality into a collaborator, preserve &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/how-to-handle-that-person-navigating-difficult-team-members-with-grace\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;How to Handle \u201cThat Person\u201d: Navigating Difficult Team Members with Grace&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":14591,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-management"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Handle \u201cThat Person\u201d: Navigating Difficult Team Members with Grace<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/how-to-handle-that-person-navigating-difficult-team-members-with-grace\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Handle \u201cThat Person\u201d: Navigating Difficult Team Members with Grace\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"You\u2019ve been there: the project is humming, deadlines are green, energy is high\u2014and then that person walks in. Crossed arms, sharpened comments, or a flat \u201cThis is dumb.\u201d Suddenly every stand-up feels like tiptoeing through a minefield. Don\u2019t sweat it. 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