Margaret had considerable experience as a researcher, but Jayne, the Research Team Leader, noticed that she only occasionally contributed to team discussions. Jayne asked Margaret’s advice on a subject about which she was knowledgeable. When positive feedback was received to her comments, Margaret was motivated to make more regular contributions to team discussions.

Margaret later confided that she thought the team, which was made up pre-dominantly of younger people, were suggesting ideas that had, in her experience, already been tried and failed. Once she realised team members listened to her and that her input and experience was valued, she began to contribute actively to team discussions again