How to Deal with Difficult Colleagues

How to Deal with Difficult Colleagues in Construction: A Guide to Keeping the Site Professional

Construction is a team sport. Whether you're a site engineer, project manager, quantity surveyor, or health and safety officer, you're part of a bigger machine - one that only works when every cog turns smoothly. But let’s be real: not every colleague is easy to get along with.

Construction sites are fast-paced, high-pressure environments, and when personalities clash, it can affect productivity, morale, and even safety. But here’s the thing - how you handle those difficult colleagues says a lot about your professionalism and leadership potential.

1. Understand the Root Cause – Not the Outburst

Difficult behaviour often stems from pressure, not personality. In construction, tight deadlines, safety pressures, and long hours can strain even the most composed individuals. Before reacting, take a moment to consider what might be driving their behaviour.

Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “Is this about me, or are they having a bad day?”

2. Stay Calm and Professional – Always

You’re being watched - by site managers, contractors, and your future references. Escalating a situation rarely wins points, even if you’re in the right. Keep your responses measured, and if a situation becomes too heated, step away.

"Don’t meet fire with fire - meet it with calm." That’s how leaders operate.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

You don’t need to tolerate disrespect or bullying. If a colleague repeatedly crosses the line, it’s appropriate to set boundaries. Let them know what behaviour is unacceptable in a direct but respectful manner.

Example: “I’m happy to collaborate, but I won’t be spoken to like that. Let’s keep things professional.”

4. Document What Matters

If conflict becomes persistent or crosses into harassment, keep a record. This protects you and gives clarity if management needs to get involved. Keep it factual - dates, times, and specific incidents only.

5. Involve Your Site Manager or HR When Needed

If someone’s behaviour is affecting safety, productivity, or morale, it’s not tattling - it's accountability. Construction sites rely on trust, and unresolved conflict breaks down teams. Your manager would rather know early than when it's too late.

6. Don’t Gossip – Build Alliances, Not Drama

Talking behind someone’s back might feel good in the moment, but it damages your own credibility. Instead, build a support system of positive colleagues and mentors who promote solution-focused thinking.

7. Lead by Example – Be the Colleague Everyone Wants

Be punctual. Be respectful. Communicate clearly. Praise others when it’s due. If you're leading a team - especially as a Site Manager or Foreperson - your tone sets the site culture.

“Respect is earned on-site. Set the tone, and others will follow.”

Why This Matters for Your Career

Conflict resolution is a key soft skill in modern construction. Employers want team players who can collaborate under pressure. Handling difficult colleagues well not only makes the site run smoother - it makes you more promotable.

At Breagh Recruitment, we work with companies that value strong team cultures, and we place professionals in environments where they can grow, lead, and contribute without drama.

Looking for a Site Where You Can Thrive?

We help place skilled professionals - engineers, QSs, project managers, health and safety officers, and more - on projects where teamwork and respect are non-negotiable.

💬 Get in touch today to learn more about opportunities with Tier 1 and progressive Irish contractors across Ireland and Europe.