Ethics Case Studies in Biodesign

Case 16 - A Bright Team Member

As you work on your project with the rest of the team, you slowly realize that one member of the team is extremely bright. She seems to come up with ideas that are truly innovative even if they seem out-in-left-field at first. You put your ideas forward, but your own ideas are seldom as attractive to the team as those of Ms. Bright. You are both amazed and excited by the things she comes up with but also you are frustrated that your ideas seem always to get secondary consideration. The team seems to devalue what you say after a time while this pattern is established. Another member of the team approaches you to tell you how he feels, and it mirrors your thoughts and feelings in this regard exactly.

• What should you say to your frustrated team member?
• What should the two of you, individually or together, do about the situation?
• Should you discuss this with other members of the team with, or without, Ms. Bright in attendance?
• What is best for you in this issue?
• What is best for the team in this issue?
• What is the attitude of Ms. Bright in her role as a team member?
• Whom can you go to in order to get help in solving the problems as you see them?