Your question was simple but the answer you recieved went from
difficult employees to something gender specific...don't do
that.
Employees are all different- that is a given. You shouldn't
have to tip-toe around those who are women vs. those who are
men- really.  I am a women who spent much of her life with a
male boss, who was as blunt with me as he was with the guys. 
It was me who had to get the backbone, become stronger, and
develop myself....until that occurred I wasn't able to handle
his delivery of criticism.

Okay, there is a way of giving constructive criticism and a
better way but it shouldn't be delivered "special"
just because your employess are M or female....and anyone who
tells you othewise is buying into the theory that because they
are female that therefore they are the "victim."

It is your business.  You, I am certain like I, have a way of
conducting business and procedures in order to sell and
succeed.
If you have difficult employess, then restructure your
workforce and hire stronger more applicable people. Don't be
afraid to restructure-the hassle of difficult people just
isn't worth your time.

C.