A difficult employee is best described as someone who:

A difficult employee is best characterized by their failure to meet goals in a timely manner. This behavior often creates challenges within a team or departmental setting, as it can lead to delays in projects, increased workload for other team members, and frustration among colleagues and management.

When an employee consistently struggles to meet deadlines or performance targets, it can disrupt workflow and negatively affect overall team morale. This inability to fulfill responsibilities can manifest in various ways, such as missed deadlines, incomplete tasks, or a lack of initiative. As a result, their behavior not only impacts their own performance but also has ripple effects that can hinder the success of the entire team or organization.

In contrast, behaviors such as overachieving work, consistently seeking feedback, or receiving positive evaluations do not typically denote difficulty in an employee. These qualities are generally associated with high performers who contribute positively to the workplace environment. Therefore, identifying an employee who struggles with timely goal achievement provides a clearer picture of someone who might be considered difficult in a professional context.