A team member becomes difficult to manage when we (leader) fail to identify the team member's maturity level, his or her skill set. This leads to damage the relationship we share with him/her. When style and maturity aren't matched, failure is the result.The best way to handle a difficult team member is to identify the maturity level, skill set and the cause of discontent. Once it is identified, we must change our leadership style, to repair the damage of a strained relationship. On the other hand, if the member is unhappy due to ignorance or lack of skills, we should be more directive, till the member gains his confidence. It varies from person to person and time to time.